From a simple conversation to a nationwide movement saving hundreds of lives—the untold story of Safe Haven Baby Boxes unfolds through an intimate chat between founder Monica Kelsey and former Indiana State Representative Casey Cox, the man who authored America's very first baby box legislation.

Their reunion at Woodburn headquarters reveals the extraordinary behind-the-scenes struggle that brought this life-saving concept to reality. When government agencies insisted no safety protocols could make baby boxes viable, Monica made the bold decision to install them anyway—a risk that would ultimately save 288 children's lives and counting.

"I just wanted to save one baby a year," Monica confesses, recalling her frustration when state officials rejected the concept despite finding approximately two abandoned infants dead annually in Indiana. Casey shares his perspective as a freshman legislator who saw potential in Monica's revolutionary idea: "I thought it was wild...but honestly, I thought it was a great idea."

What follows is a master class in persistence, as they recount legislative battles, regulatory roadblocks, and the watershed moment when the first infant was safely surrendered—a midnight text message that changed everything. Now operating in 22 states with 59 babies saved directly through boxes and another 229 through safe haven handoffs, their partnership demonstrates how ordinary citizens can create extraordinary change.

This deeply moving conversation isn't just about policy—it's about purpose, courage, and the ripple effects of standing firm when facing opposition. As Monica puts it, "The right thing to do is always the right thing to do." For anyone who's ever wondered if one person can make a difference, this episode provides an emphatic and inspiring answer.

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What happens when a night of celebration turns into the worst moment of your life? In this raw and unflinching conversation, Monica sits down with her son JJ to discuss the night that forever changed both their lives—when JJ's choices behind the wheel resulted in the death of his best friend Casey.

The conversation weaves through memories of Casey, described lovingly as someone who was "exactly like me... very outgoing and outspoken" and "the glue that held a lot of our group together." We hear about their friendship, their shared passion for mechanics, and the fateful graduation party that would end in tragedy. JJ recounts the moments after the Jeep flipped, his desperate attempts at CPR, and the surreal experience of seeing his mother arrive on scene as a first responder.

What stands out most powerfully is JJ's absolute refusal to shirk responsibility. When asked why he pled guilty, he states simply: "When you screw up, own it. You don't own it, you're just enabling yourself to screw up more." This philosophy of accountability becomes the foundation for his remarkable transformation during and after his four-year prison sentence.

Perhaps most striking is JJ's reflection that "the day that Casey died is the day that my life was saved," acknowledging that before the accident, he was heading down a dangerous path. Today, with a growing family and purpose-driven life, JJ speaks at schools about his experience, hoping to prevent others from making similar mistakes. The silent rooms full of attentive students speak to the power of his authenticity.

This episode isn't just about tragedy—it's about how taking full responsibility for our actions, even the most devastating ones, can become the catalyst for profound personal growth. What would happen if we all faced our mistakes with such unflinching honesty?

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A cardboard box in a frigid apartment hallway during a winter storm became the unlikely beginning of an extraordinary full-circle story. Matthew, abandoned as a newborn just days before Christmas in 2000, has defied incredible odds to become a South Bend police officer—the very department that investigated his abandonment. Detective Gene Eyster vividly remembers that night: two feet of snow, temperatures around 15 degrees, and bitter winds. He rushed to the scene and nicknamed the infant “Baby Jesus” because of the timing and circumstances, eventually tracking down Matthew’s parents after three intense days of investigation.

For twenty years afterward, Gene often found himself reflecting on the fate of “Baby Jesus,” driving past the apartment complex regularly and wondering what had become of him. Questions lingered in his mind, unresolved and poignant: Had their paths unknowingly crossed? Was the child still living nearby? Then, a chance conversation between Matthew and a fellow officer revealed the astonishing connection—“Baby Jesus” had grown up to wear the same uniform and patrol the same streets where he’d been found.

Their reunion was deeply healing, especially for Gene, who had recently lost his own adult son. The striking similarities between Matthew and Gene’s late son—same height, build, even facial hair—felt almost providential. For Matthew, meeting Gene brought closure and insight into his earliest days, offering answers he’d sought his entire life.

This remarkable reunion highlights the vital importance of Monica Kelsey’s mission with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, providing desperate parents with anonymous and safe ways to surrender their infants. With 59 babies safely surrendered in baby boxes nationwide and over 200 through legal handoffs, each child now has the opportunity to craft their own extraordinary life story—just as Matthew has done.

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