Ahead of National Donor Day, Science Care Celebrates the 135,000 Individuals Who Have Pre-Registered for Whole Body Donation

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Approximately 58 percent of US adults are registered organ, eye, and tissue donors—a four percent increase when compared to 2017. The idea of organ donation now receives widespread support and has saved the lives of thousands. Yet few people know of whole body donation, a similarly powerful gift that likewise advances medical science and promises to transform the lives of those affected by illness and injury.

In honor of National Donor Day on February 14, which recognizes those who have given or received the gift of organ and tissue donation, Science Care is increasing awareness for whole body donation by announcing its registry has reached 135,000 individuals pledging to donate their bodies to science.

“Since 2000, our donors have contributed to thousands of medical research initiatives and breakthrough advancements,” said Brad O’Connell CEO of Science Care, the nation’s largest, for-profit whole body donation organization. “We are thrilled to reach this milestone and fulfill our promise of improving patient outcomes through whole body donation—a sector of healthcare that impacts so many, but is understood by so few.”

Standing on the Shoulders of Whole Body Donation

Similar to the life-saving impacts of organ donation, whole body donors are vital to the development of new medical devices, treatments, and procedures. In fact, donors have the ability to affect more than 10 initiatives to improve the way conditions like heart disease, spinal injuries, breast cancer, and reproductive issues, among others, are treated. Just as with being an organ donor, you can designate your desire to donate your body to science in advance by pre-registering.

“There is a well-known need for organ donation in this country, especially with recognition days like National Donor Day supporting the practice,” said Katrina Hernandez, vice president of donor services at Science Care. “Many don’t realize the need for whole body donors is equally as critical, enabling universities, medical device companies, physicians, scientists, and surgeons to find breakthrough, life-changing therapies.”

As the first whole body donation program to be accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), Science Care leads by focusing on continuous improvement through its service, reliability, and compliance to deliver exactly what is needed by medical researchers worldwide.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Ages 18 through 108

Unlike organ donation, most people meet the criteria for whole body donation. Even chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes do not disqualify people looking to make a difference long after they pass. When choosing to donate, individuals ages 18 through 108+ can pledge to make a contribution that benefits countless others as their final act.

Although only 44-years-old, Kissimmee, Florida resident Charries Semidey proactively pre-registered to donate her body through Science Care. “My love of teaching has inspired me to dedicate myself to education long after I am gone,” noted Semidey. “I want to leave a lasting contribution to science that will inspire the future innovation of medical and health sciences for generations to come.”

As the industry leader, Science Care’s clients include top pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, renowned educational institutions, and healthcare organizations large and small focused on advancing medicine.

Former neonatal registered nurse, Victoria May Moe of Phoenix, Arizona, who passed at the age of 106, chose to donate her body through Science Care. Her daughter, Cecilia Roulston, reflects on her mother’s end-of-life decision saying, “She truly had a calling for caring for premature babies and understanding how to better treat them. This curiosity and constant craving for more education is what led her to donate her body and continue to help others—her greatest and proudest accomplishment.”

Planning for the Future

Registered organ donors impacting living persons in need can also register for whole body donation through Science Care, thereby compounding their legacies. To register to donate your body through Science Care, visit https://info.sciencecare.com/donor-registration-form-new-6. For more information about Science Care or how to help open a pathway to greater medical knowledge and discovery, save lives, and improve quality of life for future generations, visit www.sciencecare.com.

About Science Care

Science Care is the world’s largest whole body donation program, and since its inception in 2000, it has enabled tens of thousands of families to donate their loved one’s remains to medical research and discovery. Our programs have helped improve every aspect of human health, and we have supported the development of radical technologies, therapies, and discoveries. We embrace the responsibility placed upon us by families and the medical community, and maintain the industry’s highest ethical standards in all that we do.

For more information about Science Care or how you can help open a pathway to greater medical knowledge and discovery, save lives, and improve quality of life for future generations, visit www.sciencecare.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190212005142/en/