Donor Stories

"My husband always made it clear that if anything catastrophic should happen to him, he wanted to be a donor. Sadly, he suffered an aneurysm in February. The effect of the strokes were severe and the damage was irreparable. He recovered just enough to be able to communicate that he wanted to be taken off life support and allowed "to go". It was a very difficult time for me. Although I knew his desire to be a donor, neither of us had looked into the matter in the event of his death. Our Hospice only knew of one local university who would take his body for medical science, but the cost involved was beyond my financial reach. The man at the university ultimately referred me to Science Care.

I found your phone number online, and when I called, a warm, caring voice answered. The young lady I spoke with asked me a few questions to make sure my husband was a candidate for your program, all in a very gentle, comforting way, as she expressed her condolences for my impending loss. I called twice more and each person I talked with demonstrated the same genuine care and concern and spoke to me with tremendous respect and gratitude for our decision to trust Science Care. I cannot tell you what a comfort it was to me in that hour, to feel so cared for by your staff with such gentle kindness. It was enough that Science Care had already removed the impossible financial burden that had stood in the way of my honoring my husband's final wish to be a donor! And yet, you cared for me, too!

When I started this letter yesterday after receiving your survey, it brought a flood of tears and memories to the surface that, apparently, I really needed to "feel". Writing this letter and remembering your kindness and God's faithfulness to bring you to me at that very moment have somehow lifted the darkness I was feeling. It is amazing how remembering your kindness in my crisis feels so very comforting even now! Be assured, it is something that I will never forget!

Today, for the first time in weeks, I actually feel okay. All I can say is: From my heart to yours, thank you for all you have done for me and my husband; and for your continuing efforts to advance healthcare and improve patient quality of life through the work that you do."

"Your people were wonderful. It all went so smoothly and was absolutely as my wife envisioned it years ago when we signed up with you."

"Everyone was sympathetic and caring. Science Care made this as easy as it could possibly be. Thank you so much."

"I can’t even express the help and respect we got from your staff. This is a very much needed program. I am thankful you were all there for us. Both of our parents donated to Science Care."

"I appreciated how simple the whole process was and the extreme kindness and compassion that EVERYONE expressed. It made a very difficult situation much easier to bear."

"My mother-in-law just passed away in July. We were so impressed with the care given by the men who came and picked her up. We have been so impressed by the telephone correspondence we have had since that time. My wife and I would like to contribute to the cause of medical research when we pass away as well."

"My sister and I were proud of Mom to be a donor as this had been discussed by all of us years back. We have found the perfect way to contribute and relieved to know we'll be cared for by caring people. It will take such unwanted stress away from my family. Thank you for everything!"

"My father’s ashes were handled with the utmost care when being returned to us and that was a big peace of mind to my mother. This was certainly something that greatly impacted not only immediate family but friends as well. I know my father's choice to donate will carry on through the rest of us."

"Thank you for your kindness and assistance during such a devastating time for my family."

"Your professionalism was so kind, helpful and very caring. We couldn't have asked for anything better."

"My mother donated her body when she passed from cancer. I was truly impressed with the staff and the respect and care that not only my mother was given, but also our family. This is a wonderful opportunity. Thank You."

"The service of your organization is a blessing at a difficult time!"

"My husband passed away at the age of 48. He had registered with our state for organ donation [for transplant]. In our personal conversations, he told me he wanted to be donated to science [also]. It was a wonderful thought but nothing I believed could actually be done without a great deal of “red tape”. Upon his passing, I told the hospital staff of his wishes. By that evening, I received a phone call from one of your representatives. I never knew such an organization existed to facilitate these things, let alone have it taken care of so professionally. We emailed and faxed forms back and forth. The whole donation process was extremely efficient and timely. It was very comforting to know the process after it was patiently explained to me by your Family Services Associates. It was comforting to know they really did care about treating my husband’s remains with respect and dignity. We have now had friends register with Science Care, also. What a wonderful thing! I feel as if my husband, in his passing, and me in my relaying the details of my interaction with you and your process, have “paid it forward”, in a way. I am also going to register for donation. Thank you for all you did in such a difficult time."

"My father passed away yesterday. We are, as we speak, going thru the process with Science Care. We learned of my father’s wishes only a couple of weeks ago, and were pleased with his decision. Although this is a tough time for our family, we believe the benefits are great and many. He made this decision, based on very little "medical knowledge”, because he always wanted to help people out. This was his final gift to total strangers, just the kind of man he always was. Please learn and grow from the gift he gave to mankind."

"A Family Services Associate called me on a Sunday afternoon just to check and see how I was doing. This kind act was very much appreciated and unexpected!"

"All of the Science Care employees have been very kind and helpful. It was a confusing time for me and they all made it easier."

"Everyone I dealt with was exceedingly kind and helpful in every way. I felt privileged and grateful to be able to have my husband treated with so much love and respect. It helped me to accept his passing in a more positive light than just my loss."

"I was very impressed with how concerned the Science Care Staff was and all the follow up calls after my loved one was donated."

"Your services are of exceptional quality and I thank you so much."

"Everyone I dealt with treated the family with the utmost respect. I would like to thank everyone for giving my dad the dignity and respect he deserved at the end of his life."

"Everyone was so kind, efficient and caring. I am singing your praises to everyone I know."

"I just want to say that during our difficult time, your company was extremely polite, courteous and professional. Thank you so much for treating my brothers’ remains with respect. As a scientist himself, we know that this is exactly how he would have wanted things handled. From our whole family, thank you!!"

"Everyone I spoke with was courteous and professional while dealing with details, yet were always aware that they were talking to someone who had lost a loved one. They made a difficult situation as easy as possible. Thank you."

"Everyone was very kind and respectful. My husband and I will both be using your service. At least this way we can give something back for our time here on earth."

"Each and every one I spoke to was very professional, but at the same time very comforting. I felt everything was done with promptness and dignity which meant so much to our family. We are all so proud of our son for wanting to help others. Thank you."

"Everyone I spoke to was so helpful and kind. My life was a blur during this painful time. I don't know what I would have done without your help and guidance. You were my lifeline through all of this. You are so appreciated, more than you know. This was something he greatly believed in to help others. Words cannot thank you enough for what you did for my family and me."

"At this terrible time in my life, I felt all the people at Science Care were very thoughtful and helpful with every question. Since I am also donating my body, it is good to know how it will be handled so I can prepare my family. Thank you!"