Nonprofit helps families who are grieving loss of stillborn

Was created in honor of their infant who passed away

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – The parents of a stillborn baby have launched a nonprofit to help other families who face similar circumstances.

Bo Paul was born to his parents, Justin and Shannon, on December 4, 2023. 

The nonprofit “Bo Paul Project” was created to help grieving families in our area. 

One part of the mission is to supply CuddleCots to area hospitals. The CuddleCot device is offered to parents of stillborn babies so that they may spend extra time with their infant.

“We knew that hospitals, especially rural hospitals, most likely do not have access to these systems and made it our mission to change that,” Shannon Paul said. 

The nonprofit partnered with Columbus Regional last fall and donated the custom-designed bassinets which are suited for both preterm babies and full-term babies. 

They also create and donate carefully-crafted bears to families who are experiencing the loss of an infant. 

“These bears are made special to match the exact birth weight of their child. I remember my arms feeling so empty after our son’s passing and from that moment forward the idea of creating something special for parents to hold on to after they say goodbye to their child came into existence for us,” Shannon said. 

The bears have been donated to several local hospitals and the Paul’s hope to branch out to help additional families. 

The organization is also getting some additional help as a nonprofit called “The World Helping Squad” has selected them as their recipient and have donated to the cause.

The World Helping Squad is an organization created by Malarie Schoettmer and North Decatur student Cressa Kohrman. 

"They have hosted events such as bake sales and a harvest party to help raise the funds that they were able to donate," Shannon said.

Learn more about the Bo Paul Project by clicking here.