Our Story
We know firsthand 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 in hospital stays and years in therapy. When Amara came home from her second long hospital stay after debilitating setbacks, we decided to pay it forward as a family and help others, especially as a result of the enormous community support we received.
The idea of Riccio Pick-Me-Ups was brainstormed in November of 2009. We started sending homemade crafts/cards to chronically ill children and adults to bring a smile, one project at a time. Initial crafts were decorated teddy bears ("Mare Bears"), bracelets, poems, cards, suncatchers, paintings, and inspirational "miracle magazines."
We made RPMU an official nonprofit in 2011. We then expanded our programs to include fundraisers to raise money for families facing medical/financial hardships, awareness presentations in schools, entertainment in children's hospitals and nursing homes, and youth inspiration events to give back to the community.
Our organization is 100% family oriented, helping to highlight abilities in all people. We are all about catering to individuals in a heartfelt and personalized manner, treating them as if they are part of our family.
Currently, Amara faces a new illness which leaves her voice, eyesight, bodily motion and ability to swallow compromised. However, she continues to lead her mission of empowering others. Things have slowed down since Amara's new setbacks, but we are determined to come back with our cause stronger than ever, even if so much has changed. We keep on fighting for all.
We know firsthand 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 in hospital stays and years in therapy. When Amara came home from her second long hospital stay after debilitating setbacks, we decided to pay it forward as a family and help others, especially as a result of the enormous community support we received.
The idea of Riccio Pick-Me-Ups was brainstormed in November of 2009. We started sending homemade crafts/cards to chronically ill children and adults to bring a smile, one project at a time. Initial crafts were decorated teddy bears ("Mare Bears"), bracelets, poems, cards, suncatchers, paintings, and inspirational "miracle magazines."
We made RPMU an official nonprofit in 2011. We then expanded our programs to include fundraisers to raise money for families facing medical/financial hardships, awareness presentations in schools, entertainment in children's hospitals and nursing homes, and youth inspiration events to give back to the community.
Our organization is 100% family oriented, helping to highlight abilities in all people. We are all about catering to individuals in a heartfelt and personalized manner, treating them as if they are part of our family.
Currently, Amara faces a new illness which leaves her voice, eyesight, bodily motion and ability to swallow compromised. However, she continues to lead her mission of empowering others. Things have slowed down since Amara's new setbacks, but we are determined to come back with our cause stronger than ever, even if so much has changed. We keep on fighting for all.
Meet The Family
RPMU President Lori Riccio is a former special education teacher and mother of three, two of whom have different disabilities. Lori has a passion for helping parents navigate the health care system, giving emotional support, and helping to fight for the needs of other families as well as her own.
RPMU Creator Amara Riccio is a 28-year-old author, therapeutic recreation specialist, and expressive artist who lives with traumatic brain injury and a rare autoimmune encephalitis. She is trying her best not only to survive but to thrive by keeping her mission alive. Learn more about Amara here.
Larry Riccio is an oncology pharmacist who is passionate about helping other caregivers and celebrating people with unique differences. He uses his pharmaceutical knowledge to educate our families on medications and supplements, and he helps to find more affordable treatments while also offering alternative suggestions.
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Lawrence Riccio Jr. is another inspiration for our charity. He is twenty months older than Amara and lives with autism spectrum disorder, along with other mental illnesses. Lawrence reminds us to "never give up hope." He loves music and enjoys performing at our RPMU talent shows.
Robert Riccio is sixteen months younger than Amara and has a passion for sports, entertainment, and inclusion. He is our master of ceremonies/DJ at events and is looking forward to taking a larger role in RPMU, including organizing monthly inclusive events for people with disabilities and creating awareness videos.
Jessica Giannone is Amara's cousin but sister at heart. She is a writer/editor based in New York City and has been involved with RPMU fundraisers since Day One. She currently handles editorial material for the organization. With Amara as her ultimate inspiration, she helped make This Is Why I D.A.N.C.E. a reality, and she remains passionate about making a difference in the lives of any who need it. Learn more about Jessica here.
