HOLLYWOODS CALL TO ACTION FOR CELEBRITY SUPPORT TO BRING LIMBLESS CHILD WAR VICTIM FROM OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM CHARITY CLARIFIES CELEBRITY INVOLVEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA CONFUSION

HOLLYWOODS CALL TO ACTION FOR CELEBRITY SUPPORT IN EFFORT TO BRING LIMBLESS CHILD WAR VICTIM FROM OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM CHARITY CLARIFIES CELEBRITY INVOLVEMENT IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA CONFUSION What: Charity Responds to Media Confusion regarding effort to help Ali Ismaeel Abbas When: Tuesday, May 13, 2003, 11 a.m. Where: Masonic Lodge 71 West 23 St. 6th floor New York City, NY Hollander Room Who: Elissa Montanti, Founder and Chairwoman of Global Medical Relief Fund Boro Vudadinovic, President of Miracle Mile Films and President of Global Medical Relief Fund Kenan Malkic, Triple Amputee Bosnian War Victim and first rescued child by GMRF Why: In a world where celebrities have become the focus of what is worthy of news, a child waits for help. Media confusion could possibly damage effort for charity to save child. Charity will clarify celebrity and media involvement.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) May 14, 2003 -- The Global Medical Relief Fund on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 launched a drive to bring a limbless Iraqi orphan who became the symbol of civilian suffering in the US-led war to the United States for medical treatment. In the frenzy of organizing this very worthwhile cause there has been some confusion in the specific involvement" of celebrities that needs to be clarified immediately", stated Bora Vukadinovic of Miracle Mile Films and President of The Global Medical Relief Fund.

Just because we can get concert tickets donated and props from films does not imply that the celebrities are officially endorsing anything in any way. That was never our intention. In fact, when mentioning celebrities on the childs hero wish list, we had simply talked about our admiration and respect for their humanitarian efforts on behalf of children and were hoping that they would be supportive. Some reporters, jumped the gun and made assumptions that simply are not true." clarified Cheryl Shuman a volunteer helping to organize the effort.

Maria Conchita Alonso, actress and friend contacted Arnold Schwarzenneger personally. Arnolds personal assistant Jennifer responded with offers of a letter of encouragement and autographed t-shirts for the child.

Polo Molina, Concert Promoter and Tour Manager for the Black Eyed Peas--opening act for the Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake tour offered to donate concert tickets and other items for auction. Several names are on the celebrity wish list for the child Cheryl Shuman told Agencie France Presse. "We've just launched this campaign, but my plan is to reach out to as many celebrities as possible to help in any way we can. Whether its autographing their latest CD or performing in the benefit concert or filming a public service announcement, any help is so very greatly appreciated. I want to make it very clear that we are in no way stating that these celebrities are official spokespersons, rather asking all celebrities and behind the scenes friends that weve worked with over the years to pitch in and help!"

Bora Vukadinovic added, I have privately financed this operation with hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, and whether celebrities support us or not, we WILL help this child!"

On Wednesday, May 14, 2003, GMRF representatives, Elissa Montanti, Founder and Chairwoman and Asver Glusac, Executive Director will travel to Kuwait to meet with physicians treating Ali Ismaeel Abbas, an Iraqi child who sustained injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ms. Montanti and Mr. Glusac will meet with Ali's treating physician, Dr. Imad Najada, MD and Dr. Shatti the Director of the Kuwaiti Health Ministry. The airline tickets for the mission were proudly donated by British Airways and additional support donated by the Shriners Organization.

A few days later President of GMRF, Boro Vukadinovic will follow with Vice President Maria Conchita Alonso Singer/Actress along with camera crew to document our efforts to help Ali and other Children. The GMRF is working with Kuwaiti and US authorities to bring children like Ali to the US for treatment and rehabilitation. Once on the ground in Kuwait, the GMRF will meet with Ali's physician's and family to discuss the possibility of him coming to the US for treatment. Several other children will also be discussed.

Ali, who was last week undergoing medical treatment in Kuwait for burns that cover 40% percent of his body, had both arms amputated above the elbow in Baghdad last month after he was caught in a US missile strike on March 30.

He was the sole survivor among 20 killed, including his parents, brothers and sisters, when the deadly projectile hit his family home in Al Zafiriya and the world media quickly seized on him as a symbolic victim and launched a high-profile campaign to save his life.

The fund is a non-profit organization that helps children who have fallen victim to the horrors of war that operated in the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.

Any celebrities wishing to get involved can contact Cheryl Shuman at her Beverly Hills Offices at 310.285.1777 or email Cheryl@cherylshuman.com. Anyone who wants to aid the cause can check for up to date information on the following websites: www.globmed.org.

About the Organization:
The Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to bring hope and life to the children around the world who have lost limbs from, either the atrocities of war, a national disaster or to illness. The GMRF travels to countries where there is need, and arranges transportation to the United States for prosthetic devices, medical and surgical care for the childs injuries.

We provide housing and all fundamental services for the child from arrival in he United States and throughout convalescence, rehabilitation and recovery.

We have been making a difference since 1997. We have endeavored to give back to children, one by one, what has been so unfairly taken away from them by the consequences mentioned above. The children may not be fully physically restored, but they do regain self-sufficiency and the optimism of youth for the future. Our family, of those that have been aided, now numbers almost two dozen children. They have not only gained from our country, physically and mentally, but these young souls have become ambassadors for America, reflecting our nation's generosity, as well as it's ingenuity, freedom and opportunity.

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The Global Medical Relief Fund
One child at a time
www.GlobMed.org
Media Contact:
Cheryl Shuman, C.E.O.
468 North Camden Drive, 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, California USA 90210
Phone: 310.285.1777 Mobile: 310.666.7686
Email: Cheryl@cherylshuman.com
www.CherylShuman.com