Eleanor Shell
“Traumatic brain injuries affect every part of your body and your soul.”
In June 2024, life forever changed for supermom Eleanor Shell and her family.
As she was walking through a parking lot, Eleanor pushed her child’s stroller out of harm’s way and was immediately struck by a car and thrown two car lengths, leaving her with a life-altering traumatic brain injury and a corresponding financial burden to secure medical care.
In 5 months, her community has rallied to raise over $2,800 in Eleanor’s honor.
Eleanor is an ordained minister who has spent hours upon hours of her time volunteering, helping nonprofits to plan local events, working with faith communities, and supporting her 3 young children.
Today, despite debilitating symptoms, she is dedicated to continuing her life of service by bringing hope to other families in similar circumstances.
While continuing to fundraise to help cover medical costs and related expenses, Eleanor is establishing a lifeline called Borrowed Hope to help families through “the long middle” that comes after a sudden, catastrophic event like the one she experienced.
Eleanor described how much it meant to her to see her eldest child enjoy a trip to the Polar Express in 2025, despite all the financial, physical, and emotional challenges her family is navigating:
“I have a picture of my 8-year-old with this big smile and holding the silver bell, and I’ll never forget it.”
She hopes her work will bring relief to other families while helping her show both herself and her children that she is still trying, still finding hope, and still capable of serving others.
