Our Story
​Lori Riccio: President
​Special Education teacher and mom 
​Amara Riccio: Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Mental Health Counseling/ Expressive Arts Therapy student

We know first hand how  to deal with medical and financial hardships. Our life changed in an instant when our dear sweet Amara was struck by a car, sustaining  a severe traumatic brain injury and broken bones. She  spent months of hospital stays and years of therapy. When Amara came home for her second long hospital stay after her debilitating setbackas  a family  we  would pay it forward and help others as a result of the enormous community support that we received. The idea of Riccio Pick Me Ups was brainstormed in November, 2009; sending homemade crafts/cards to chronically ill children and adults bringing a smile ,one project at a time. Initial crafts were decorated teddy bears(mare bears), bracelets, poems, cards, sun catchers, paintings and miracle magazines.
We  have made RPMU an official non- profit  in 2011. We then expanded our programs, to having fundraisers to raise money for families facing medical/financial hardships, performing awareness presentations in school, entertaining in children's hospitals and nursing homes and inspiring youth to give back to community. Our organization is 100% family oriented, helping to highlight ability in all people.

​Meet the Family(coming soon)

Early RPMU 2010-2012
​We were just beginning of our "share the gift visits" and awareness presentations. Presentations started in Howell Twp. schools highlighting ability and safety.  The main programs were sending children with chronic and serious illnesses, happy mail. Amara was still in high school and receiving various  therapies.

​


 Picture
RPMU 2013-2015
Programs expanded to the community, gaining a volunteer program comprised mostly of highschool teenagers. Fundraisers and visits to children's hospitals, and financial donations were main programs. Non profits and nursing home visits began in 2014.. Amara attended Kean University and used education from school into programs.

RPMU 2016-Now

Presently, there has been a greater focus on holistic well-being throughout the life span not just children and a shift in volunteers.  Recreation and expressive arts programs  help  increase quality of life and mental wellness. We continue our financial programs, our annual fundraisers and  connecting with community organizations as well as new causes.