Every year, an estimated 20,000 people in the US make the incredible choice to contribute to the advancement of medical science with the gift of body donation. Their donations allow medical researchers and educators to continue their vital work to improve the health and lives of others.
Whole-body donors contribute to the study of disease, development of new treatments and less invasive surgical techniques, and advanced physician training. Chances are, we will all need medical treatment at some point in our lives, so we are all touched by whole-body donation.
We are continuously overwhelmed by the incredible generosity and selflessness of our donors. So, we created Whole Body Donor Day as a time to honor all of those who have given this generous gift to the medical community and everyone who will benefit from the knowledge gained from their donation. Whole Body Donor Day is held the last Tuesday in October, and we look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier because
you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
On October 26th, 2021 MedCure held a memorial ceremony to commemorate our donors and give their loved ones a space to grieve and remember them. After a short speech and reading a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson a wreath from Portland Florist Shop was floated out into the Columbia River from Thunder Island Oregon. The wreath was biodegradable so that our memorial service won’t have a negative impact on the environment. The event was live streamed on Facebook and we are grateful for all who tuned in to make this year’s event extra special. If you did not have the chance to tune in live you can still see the recorded video on our Facebook page here: https://fb.watch/918jdI_jmd/
