Chapter 16 - THE STERLING CENTER
Harrison left the private hospital system and created the Sterling Center for Spinal Autonomy.
Victoria helped fund it anonymously at first.
The center combined surgery, rehabilitation, legal advocacy, and abuse screening.
Patients with disabilities often faced control disguised as care.
Medication withheld.
Mobility devices sabotaged.
Finances taken.
Medical choices made by family.
The center asked every patient privately:
Who controls your movement?
Who controls your equipment?
Who speaks for you without permission?
One patient discovered her husband repeatedly damaged wheelchair batteries to keep her home.
Another learned a caregiver altered therapy reports to preserve paid hours.
Another family received education after unsafe transfers caused bruising without malicious intent.
Not every case became criminal.
Every case began with the patient’s answer.
Victoria eventually allowed her name on the center.
Not as victim.
As co-founder.
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The first public campaign read:
CARE WITHOUT CONSENT IS CONTROL.
