In the run-up to my knee surgery on June 13, Diane and I have been reviewing our Wills, healthcare proxies, Powers of Attorney, etc. Years ago, I decided I wanted to donate my body to SUNY at Buffalo’s Med School. They have a body donation program that picks up the body, uses the body from one to three years, then cremates what’s left and buries the ashes in the university cemetery. No muss, no fuss. So I’ve filled out the paperwork and now it’s official. I’ve instructed Diane, in the event of my demise, to throw a pizza and chicken wing party at a local restaurant for our friends and family. Beverages will be served. You’re all invited.
Sandi and I have the same set up, George. Want to do sometghing useful with the remains, such as they are.
Great minds think alike, Scott.
We’re donating our bods to the local University for med students to practice on. It’s my last chance to give the coeds a thrill.
I think body donation makes all the sense in the world, Dan. I’m sure those coeds are thrilled by thought of experimenting on two guys like you and me.
Not sure about the body donation thing, but I’m all the way with you on the no-muss-no-fuss side of the equation. I’ve told my family that they are to have me cremated in the cheapest possible box and scatter my ashes over Lake Pontchartrain, then have a slap-up party with lots of forbidden junk food and all of my favorite disco hits from the 1970s.
I love your approach, Deb! Especially the junk food and disco hits parts!
Nice choice, George (and everyone). We’re definitely looking in that direction too.
Deb, how about scattering some of the ashes over Cafe du Monde or Mother’s?
I studied all the burial options, Jeff, and body donation made the most sense to me.
I’m still trying to decide where I want my ashes hauled.
Perhaps Machu Picchu, Bill.
George, I never expected to see my photo on your site. Thanks.
We must be twins separated at birth, Drongo. Clearly, you’re a good looking guy.
I’m an organ donor. If there’s anything worth taking, anybody is welcome to it.
Hopefully Diane won’t be sending out those pizza and chicken wing party invitations anytime soon.
I always hope for the best , but plan for the worst, Beth. Whenever the invitations go out, you’re at the top of the stack.
In the United States there are a few different options for whole body donation for medical research and education. I actually work for a whole body donation program, Science Care (www.sciencecare.com). Being in this industry, I can tell you that donation is an absolutely amazing gift and we are so grateful for the people who donate so generously.
One thing I will caution folks about is to make sure and do your research about whole body donation programs. We recommend only signing up with a program that holds to the highest quality and safety standards and, at the least, has been accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Science Care was the very first whole body donation program in the United States to become accredited with the AATB. You can see the full list of accredited non-transplant tissue banks on their website: http://www.aatb.org.
https://www.facebook.com/ScienceCare
Thanks for the information, Julie! Hopefully, others will consider body donation after learning Scott, Dan, and I have chosen that option.
As long as you stay away from the people with Ted Williams’s Head (which would be a good name for a rock band)…
We’re both committed to cremation so will investigate these options.
You and Jackie have plenty of Med schools in your area, Jeff. I’m sure most of them will have body donation programs for you to explore.
Interesting. George, you’re looking to be in great shape! I hadn’t considered this, since I have some medical problems. Is it an option for people like me (diabetes, seizure disorder)?
Of course, Rick! Med schools love bodies with all kinds of problems. I have a fair share of my own: sleep apnea, diabetes, high BP, etc.
I was considering a green funeral until I read this. Hard to believe they want all our old decrepit bodies. But I guess the organs are in there still.
The Med schools use the bodies for research projects, Patti. I figured that if I could help the Med students, that was better than moldering in the grave.
I’ll definitely look into this. Wonder where I start? Maybe with that link Julie left.
I just contacted our local medical school at SUNY at Buffalo, Rick. They sent out the paperwork and the process was smooth.
As I vet I have a military funeral due me, but I prefer cremation.
Maybe you can work out a deal with the VA, Bob.
I can get a cremation through the VA. I wasn’t clear on that.