Phoebe Joan Foundation
I actually went to school with Nicky, so this one is a little closer to home. It’s close to home for another reason too. My older sister’s little boy didn’t make it to term, and I’ve seen a little of what that loss does to a family… and how much it matters to have someone in your corner afterwards.
Phoebe’s story
In 2011, Nicky and Tim Robinson’s daughter, Phoebe Joan, was stillborn at 39 weeks. Her death deeply affected their family and their community. Ten years later, in 2021, they set up the Phoebe Joan Foundation to honour her and create a lasting legacy in her name.
What the Foundation does
The Foundation supports medical research, parent and bereavement support, and projects that help children in need. A big focus is families after stillbirth, newborn death and pregnancy loss, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas (places like ours, where help can be a long drive away).
The Phoebe Joan Project
The Foundation’s major initiative is the Phoebe Joan Project, run with Red Nose Australia. The Foundation has put almost $1 million into extending specialist bereavement support to families outside the big cities.
Through the project, families can get support from bereavement workers who have been through baby loss themselves. That includes one-on-one support, help after leaving hospital, ongoing support, and support during later pregnancies.
Research
The Foundation also supports stillbirth research. It has helped create resources so bereaved parents can understand research and take part in it, which may improve care and, one day, help prevent stillbirths.
Phoebe’s difference
What began with the devastating loss of a daughter now helps other families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, especially families who would otherwise struggle to get help because they live a long way from services.
Phoebe’s life is still making a difference, and that’s pretty special.
If you’d like to learn more or support their work, have a look at the Phoebe Joan Foundation website.