Our Story

Paul’s Project was founded by Paul Doussan with the help of his family and family friends, Karen and Mat Gliddon. In 2008, Paul was in 4th grade. As part of the gifted program, he was given an assignment to create and implement a community service project of his choice. At this time, Karen and Mat Gliddon, had just lost their 5-year-old son Mathew to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Mathew was a brave, brilliant and happy child even as his body kept fighting him.

As we went through this awful, life-altering experience with Mat, Karen and Mathew; our family noticed a need. Parents of critically ill children often leave home urgently to take their children to the hospital, only thinking of the needs of their child. Once at the hospital, the children’s needs are met, but quite often the parents have arrived with nothing. Mat and Karen would spend days at their son’s side, afraid of leaving even for a minute. There were no resources for the parents on a very basic level.

Paul decided to collect items and make comfort packages for parents. He made a list of basic needs: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, simple calculators, hand sanitizer, razors, socks, etc. We purchased items that were not donated. Paul packed gallon zipper bags with the items from his list. He then took a permanent marker and drew happy faces on the bags and wrote “we care.” He was able to make 30 comfort packages, which he donated to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Fla. The staff at the hospital was shocked and thankful that someone had thought of the parents. They just don’t have the resources to provide this service, and it seemed a novel idea. We are fortunate to be able to continue providing care packages to families in need.

Purpose

Paul’s Project is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to providing support for parents of critically ill children. Paul's Project collects donations and compiles Parent Accessory Care Kits (PACKS) to send to local hospitals for parents who suddenly find themselves in the hospital with their children.

Mission

Enlightening the community to the urgency and importance of supporting families of critically ill children and to nurture the parents, as every moment together counts.