Ed Orzechowski

Becoming Darlene--The Story of Belchertown Patient #4952

Selected Works

Creative Nonfiction

Becoming Darlene--The Story of Belchertown Patient #4952

At age seven, Darlene is sent to Belchertown State School, a de-humanizing institution where she meets a sister she didn't know she had. Darlene considers herself an It, unworthy of a name. Little Girl, Boy, and Brains are voices in her head who help her survive.

You'll Like It Here--The Story of Donald Vitkus, Belchertown Patient #3394

This masterful account is told in stark language that never masks the protagonist’s voice.

Quick Links

CommonWealth Magazine

Proposed bill to study history of Massachusetts mental health institutions

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/a-call-to-chronicle-the-horrors-of-mass-state-hospitals/

Pandemic Ponderings

Published on Straw Dog Writers website.

Judge Joseph L. Tauro Memorial Service at Moakley Courthouse in Boston

Judge Tauro was instrumental in improving conditions in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Call for Memorial at Belchertown State School

Daily Hampshire Gazette, May 3, 2019

Amherst Media, Senior Moment program

April 2, 2019 TV interview about the writing of You'll Like It Here.

Donald Vitkus Memorial Service

Daily Hampshire Gazette, June 24, 2018

Former state school resident gets his wish to be buried on the institution grounds

Goodreads Reviews

Levellers Press

My book You'll Llike It Here, The Story of Donald Vitkus--Belchertown Patient #3394, is available here.

COFAR Blog

Ed Orzechowski is past president of Advocacy Network, Inc. He and his wife serve on the board of COFAR, an advocacy organization for families and guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities.

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