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"This may be the book that changes your life."—Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone

“The saint of Staten Island” (People magazine) shares the inspirational story of how she’s changing the world, one child at a time.

Over a decade ago, Elissa Montanti was reeling from the loss of several loved ones when she decided to work past her grief by collecting school supplies for Bosnian children. Then a U.N. ambassador showed her a photo of Kenan, a young boy who had lost both arms and one leg to a landmine.

Elissa invited Kenan and his mother into her home, arranging free airfare, prosthetics, and medical care. Operating out of her apartment’s walk-in closet, Elissa’s Global Medical Relief Fund has since helped more than one hundred and fifty children from twenty-two countries injured in war zones and natural disasters around the world. I’ll Stand by You recounts Elissa’s remarkable story and how—in helping these children—she healed herself.

About the Author

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ELISSA MONTANTI is the founder of the Global Medical Relief Fund. She lives in Staten Island, New York.

JENNIFER HAUPT is a journalist living in Seattle, Washington.

Praise For…

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"This may be the book that changes your life… an incredible tale about helping the war-wounded children of the world, one child at a time. Moving from Bosnia to Iraq to Haiti, I’ll Stand By You is a story of courage, triumph, pure New Yorker persistence, and most of all, how one determined individual can accomplish miracles."—Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone

"Montanti grips you from start to finish. She pours her heart and soul into getting these children the proper medical care as they become a part of her global family. Shriners Hospitals for Children is proud to play a role in providing the care that many of these families can’t afford nor can these children receive in their homeland.”—Peter F. Armstrong, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer and Chair of Surgeon Advisory Board, OrthoPediatrics Corp.

“An intriguing journey begins with tragic loss in the seemingly safe suburbs of Staten Island and stretches across the rugged terrain of lawless hinterlands in war-torn Bosnia to find a new life of unexpected adventure and ultimate redemption. This very personal story proves that one person can make a powerful difference in the lives of thousands.”—Deborah Rodriguez, author of the New York Times bestseller Kabul Beauty School