(Greensburg, IN) – October 15 marks Infant Loss Awareness Day, a time to remember, reflect, and recognize the many families who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a baby.
As a community, Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) and the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County stand with those families: to acknowledge their grief, honor their children’s memories, and affirm that their stories and love will never be forgotten.
The day also holds special meaning for DCMH and the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, as the organizations were deeply honored to receive a gift of compassion and legacy, custom-designed CuddleCot Bassinets from The Bo Paul Project, founded by Justin and Shannon Paul in loving memory of their son, Bo.
In addition to the CuddleCots, The Bo Paul Project presented DCMH with beautifully designed 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 CuddleCot system provides families with the precious gift of time to hold, love, take photographs, create memories, and begin the healing process.
“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.”
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.
The Bo Paul Project, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, raises funds annually through the Bo Paul Memorial Ride. This year, the organization exceeded its fundraising goals, allowing it to extend its reach to more hospitals and families. Along with the CuddleCot Bassinets and comfort items, the Paul family made a generous donation to DCMH to fund patient education, resources, and classes for expecting families (pictured).
“There are many things in life right now that seem to be coming full circle for me,” said Shannon. “I’ve always wanted to help others, and now, in my new role as a Maternal Health Advocate, I can walk alongside families, from the joy of a positive pregnancy test to birth of their baby, or sometimes the heartbreak of loss, helping them navigate each step with compassion and hope.”
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.”
On behalf of Decatur County Memorial Hospital and the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Justin and Shannon Paul. Through The Bo Paul Project, they have transformed their grief into a legacy of compassion, one that will continue to touch lives, bring comfort, and remind families that even in moments of sorrow, love endures.
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.
(Decatur County Memorial Hospital press release)
