Help the Shell Family Rebuild After a Life-Changing Year

A Year Ago, Everything Changed.

On June 12, 2024, Eleanor Shell was walking into a doctor’s office with her 8-month-old baby when she was struck by a car. Though her physical injuries appeared minor at first, Eleanor soon began experiencing symptoms of a complex traumatic brain injury (TBI)—a condition that disproportionately affects women and can take months to fully unfold.

The months that followed turned the Shell family’s life upside down.

A Family in Crisis

Eleanor’s recovery has required constant care, rest, and therapy. She is unable to return to work, and her Social Security and disability benefits total just $1,100 per month—far from what it takes to support a family of five.

Blake, her husband, had been at his job for a handful of months at the time of the accident and wasn’t eligible for Family and Medical Leave. Overnight, he became Eleanor’s full-time caregiver and the primary parent to their three young children. Despite his efforts to balance work and family, the demands of caregiving were too great. By September, he had to leave his job.

They’ve made it this far thanks to the help from extended family and the sale of a few real estate deals Blake finalized, but those resources are now gone. He has recently secured a new job, but it will not be enough to cover the mounting medical, childcare, and household expenses. They are prepared to downsize their lives, but they need help to get there. 

Why They Need Your Help

The Shells are a resilient, loving family doing everything they can to survive a devastating chapter. They are not asking for luxuries—just enough support to help them regain stability and downsize while Eleanor continues her recovery and Blake reestablishes a reliable income.

Blake is starting a new job, which is a great start.  However, they must downsize their lives to sustain themselves on one income and reduce the clutter in Eleanor's Brain.  The funds raised will be used for the following: 

• Bridge the Gap of monthly expenses until they can downsize
• Retaining a flexible nanny for Eleanor’s medical appointments and recovery days.
• Paying for out-of-network therapies, including mental health support for everyone.
• Downsize to a smaller home closer to the kids' schools.
• Making essential repairs to their current home so it can be sold.
• Securing a second car for Blake to return to work.

Eleanor’s Support Resources

Eleanor is now in the rebuilding phase of her recovery, working with the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina to find long-term support.

They've explored every option — banks, credit unions, HELOCs, private loans — but with only one income and a house bought on two incomes, doors are closed. So now, humbly and with hope, they're asking our community for help.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any amount helps — $10, $50, $100 or more

Share the Story: Spread the word within your networks.

Offer Services or Expertise: Help with home repairs, yard work, or finding a second car.

Loan Options: They’re open to short-term, fair personal loans to be repaid after selling the house or receiving a settlement.

Host a Fundraiser 

What Others Have Shared

Over the past few weeks, Eleanor has connected with other families who have had GoFundMe campaigns during long-term medical crises. One mom, whose husband is a financial advisor and who is an attorney herself, shared this:

 "When you face a complex medical situation, jobs are lost or put on hold, expenses rise, and there is no clear end in sight — skipping dinner at Chipotle and shopping at Aldi isn't going to work long term, no matter how much you have in savings. Frankly, when your world is turned upside down, it's not the time to skip your favorite Starbucks. You are beyond drained. You are going to need a large infusion of cash — more than you think, and sometimes fast."

Words from the Shell Family

"God has provided in so many ways during this time, just when we thought we had reached the end of any possibility of hope. We may face foreclosure or bankruptcy, but even then — we know we'll rebuild. Our family's love, faith, and commitment remain unshaken." -Eleanor

"Eleanor has always been the "franchise player" with household needs and caring for the children. Much of that has shifted to me since her accident, which has helped bring us all closer together. Even when you thought you were doing everything right, you still need help." -Blake.

"If this campaign can provide stability for our kids, flexibility for Eleanor's healing, and a chance to reset — it will mean the world to us." – The Shells.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you. Blake, Eleanor, Charley, Jake, and Blakely

This is not where they thought they'd be a year ago or even three months ago. But they are still standing, still fighting, and still believing that grace shows up in unexpected places. They are beyond grateful for the help they've already received — and the help they hope to receive now.

With hope and gratitude,

The Shell Circle