I Will Follow You Anywhere: The True Story of the 9/11 Responders Who Took on Congress

About this book

"A graphic but powerful reminder of the horrors of that day—and the horrors that the first responders have faced ever since." —Booklist The untold story of an American hero who proved that one person can turn trauma into heroic action—from the wounded construction worker who became a relentless champion of the 9/11 responders.On September 11th, 2001, John Feal rushed to Ground Zero to assist with the recovery and cleanup in the aftermath of the terrorist attack. 96 hours later, his destiny was forged by steel when an 8,000-pound beam crushed his left foot. As he adjusted to a partial amputation and went broke paying medical bills, he watched his fellow responders suffer and die from cancer and other ailments caused by the dust in the air they were told was safe to breathe. Forgotten by a broken healthcare system and lawmakers who had promised to #NeverForget, Feal knew it was time to fight. Now, in I Will Follow You Anywhere, he shares his “recipe” for getting things done. Accompanied by stories from his fellow responders in their own words, Feal lays out his rogue approach to the ground game of representative government, empowering readers in all walks of life to take on the system and win. While working to get the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and healthcare bill passed, Feal caught the attention of comedian Jon Stewart, who joined the cause and became a valuable ally and dear friend. In 2019, Stewart’s testimony before Congress went viral, placing a much-needed spotlight on the frustration and grief of those long abandoned by their government—and the bill was finally signed into law. In the years since, Feal, Stewart, and his team have championed the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits and lent their expertise to other worthy causes. John is now a “hired gun” for activists fighting to get legislation passed. With I Will Follow You Anywhere, he shares his hard-won wisdom and expert strategies that will enable underdogs everywhere to stand up against a mighty system.

Details

Format

Hardcover

ISBN-13

9781637748749

Publisher

Benbella Books

Published

September 1, 2026

Pages

296

Weight

17.6 oz

Subject

History