Body/ Organ/ Environment Donation

 I was chatting with a fellow dance teacher this evening, and laid out my developing plans for the disposal of my body after my death. (Yes, sometimes these things come up in conversation!)

Here's the plan: 1) whole body donation if possible, preferably to an academic setting; 2) organ donation (if whole body donation is not possible); 3) cremated remains from organ donation (or if organ donation is not possible) added into artificial coral reef structures. Oh, I almost forgot: a fun party with a video/ slideshow picture tribute. I'd like to know that my loved ones will celebrate my life!

I just downloaded forms from Science Care, an accredited company for whole body donation. There is a clause in there that specifies my remains would not be put on public display. That reminded me of the Bodies Exhibition. Hmmm. . . now there are some truly expert dissections, and what a way for a performer to keep an audience!

I've been an organ donor since getting my first drivers license. You can find some more information on becoming a donor at OrganDonor.gov or at Donate Life America's website (look for their flags flying across the country during their "Flags Across America initiative" this month).

I have also requested information from Eternal Reefs. (I chose the treeless download option, rather than having them mail me copies of the documents.) They have a "Pearls are for Pets" pet cremation program, too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update 4/12/09: I asked the Eternal Reefs Company about options concerning organ and whole body donations, here is their reply:

"Thank you for your interest in Eternal Reefs.

We frequently have Eternal Reefs for people who have either donated organs
or their bodies. In the case of those who donate their bodies, I believe
that all of the medical schools have the bodies cremated when they are done
using them and will offer to return the remains to the family or to scatter
the remains on the families behalf. If there are schools that do something
different I am unaware of them. You could instruct your family and the
school you are donating to that this is what you would like to have done
with your remains.

We also cast Eternal Reefs without any remains at all if the family has done
something else already, or if the person had been buried but liked the idea
of having a living memorial that would benefit future generations.

Please let me know if you have any other questions."