Help Shellie Rebuild Her Dream – One Paw at a Time

For those of us lucky enough to know Shellie Ciccarelli, we know how deeply she loves, how fiercely she gives, and how rarely she asks for anything in return.

For the past 15 years, Shellie has selflessly dedicated her life to raising her four incredible children as a single mother — providing not just financially, but with an endless well of emotional support, energy, and compassion. On top of that, she’s been a full-time Special Education Para and Special Olympics Coach, roles that speak volumes about her heart and her values.

But life has not made it easy.

In order to care for her family and community, Shellie had to close down her home-based dog grooming business — a passion project that once brought her so much joy and fulfillment. She’s taken on extra work, even driving over an hour to help another groomer, all while caring for her aging parents and now, her grandchild.

Every summer when we talk, she says:

"This is the year I get the garage cleaned out and start grooming again."

And every summer, something else comes first.

We all know Shellie — the life of our Up With People cast, the one with the biggest laugh, the biggest heart and the biggest hair! She’s someone who has always lifted others up — and now, it’s our turn to lift her.

Let’s Help Shellie Rebuild Her Dream

In the next few years Shellie is hoping to retire from three decades of a demanding but rewarding work as a special education teacher. Her dream is to finally transition back to dog grooming- the work that feeds her soul.

We're raising $5,000 to help her:

Clean and renovate her garage space

Purchase new grooming equipment

Cover startup costs to restart her business

How You Can Help

If just 200 people give $25 — the cost of one meal out — we could completely transform Shellie’s future.

But truly, every single dollar counts.

Whether you were in her cast, a friend, a fellow parent, a client, or someone who believes in helping someone who always helps others — please consider donating.

Let’s give Shellie the hand up she would never ask for, but absolutely deserves.