Our Story
​Lori Riccio: President, Special Education teacher and mom 
​Amara Riccio: Creator, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, expressive artist

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 her debilitating setbacks, as a family we decided to 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 of 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, suncatchers, paintings and "miracle magazines."

We made RPMU an official nonprofit  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 the community. Our organization is 100% family-oriented, helping to highlight abilities in all people.

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

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

RPMU 2016-present

Presently, there has been a greater focus on holistic well-being throughout the life span (not just on children), as well as 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.