Samantha Pellicano was the only child of Brigid Barrett-Pellicano and Sam Pellicano, the brightest and most brilliant star in their lives. From the time she was very small she loved the circus. It was no surprise that when the time came for her to go to college, she chose Ringling College of Art and Design. She majored in photography and was a very gifted and talented photographer. Samantha remained in Florida after college as she loved her life there. Samantha worked three jobs, The Salty Dog, her own business- Spell Photography, and The Circus Arts Conservatory where she was The House Manager. Samantha enjoyed each of these jobs but especially the people she worked with and called friends. Samantha had a special place in her heart for the Circus Arts Conservatory. She loved the staff, the volunteers, the performers and the excitement.

If Samantha could be described in one word, it would be Firecracker. She was full of life and spunk. When she started feeling poorly, she did what most people her age do – talked herself into thinking she was just tired and stressed or both. By the time she found the right medical help, her cancer had already taken over her once vibrant body. While trying to wrap her head around the fact that she had breast cancer at the age of 27 with no family history, she also had to deal with the fact that it was stage IV cancer. In true Samantha fashion, she was determined to fight this disease head on with every ounce of strength she had. Samantha lost her fierce battle only 6 short weeks after it began.  With her mother by her side, she left us all for what we hope and pray is a better place, a place free from pain and sadness where limitless joy awaits. In her leaving, a giant hole was created for all who loved her, a hole that will never truly be filled no matter how much time passes.

As a small way to try to fill that hole, a scholarship/endowment fund has been created to honor Samantha’s life and her love of all things circus. Funds raised will go towards a scholarship to provide kids with the opportunity to attend after school programs and camp at Sailor Circus, one of the top circus schools in the USA, a non-profit 503c.

Please help us to honor Samantha’s life by donating. No amount is too small – if 5,000 people give one dollar, we will have reached our goal. If donating to this cause is not something you can do, please share this with all those you know and help us reach our goal.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. 


More information about Circus Arts Conservatory Inc: The mission of The Circus Arts Conservatory is to engage and educate students using unique and innovative learning programs; to measurably improve the quality of life for individuals in care facilities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and heritage of circus.