Bo Paul Project makes donation of bassinets to DCMH

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – A nonprofit created in honor of a stillborn baby has presented a gift to Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH).  

Justin and Shannon Paul created “The Bo Paul Project” in honor of their son who passed away in 2023.

On Wednesday, the nonprofit made a donation of custom-designed CuddleCot Bassinets to DCMH.

The CuddleCot system provides families with the precious gift of time to hold, love, take photographs, create memories, and begin the healing process. 

The donation coincided with October 15 being Infant Loss Awareness Day. 

In addition to the CuddleCots, The nonprofit presented DCMH with Moses baskets tailored to fit the CuddleCot equipment, examples of handcrafted “Bo Bears”, and a ‘Hug from Heaven’ ring that each family will receive. 

“Each of these gifts represents the Paul family’s dedication to helping others through their own heartbreak, ensuring families experiencing infant loss at DCMH are met with comfort, dignity, and time,” the hospital said. 

While grieving their own loss, Justin and Shannon hugged and held a bear after an ultrasound that played Bo’s heartbeat. That bear inspired them to help other families in their time of need.

Initially, they hoped to provide heartbeat bears for each family, but recognizing that not all losses are anticipated, they shifted to offering weighted bears, each customized to match a baby’s weight upon delivery.

The bears come in three sizes, representing the different trimesters of loss, and are filled by hand by the Pauls themselves.

“The weight helps bring comfort to grieving arms,” shared Shannon. “We wanted each family to feel that their baby mattered, that they are not alone.”

In addition to the bears, families also receive ‘Hug from Heaven’ rings, one-size-fits-all tokens meant to provide a small but powerful daily reminder of connection and love.

“These moments, while heartbreaking, are sacred,” said Mandy Lorhum, Hospital Foundation of Decatur County Director. “Because of the Paul family’s generosity, more parents will have that chance to say goodbye in a meaningful and loving way.”

Tammy Sidell, OB Manager at DCMH, expressed deep gratitude for the Pauls’ thoughtfulness. “It’s clear that every item was selected with care, love, and compassion,” Sidell said. “Not only will these gifts help mothers in their time of loss, but they’re also designed to support fathers and families as they navigate their grief together.”

For more information about The Bo Paul Project and its mission of comfort and healing, email thebopaulproject@gmail.com

Those wishing to make a gift in remembrance or support may contact the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County at foundation@dcmh.net or call 812-663-1220.