Services
Donating Remains
Donating loved ones remains to science can actually mean a variety of options: from organ donation to the entire body.
Donating loved ones remains to science can actually mean a variety of options: from organ donation to the entire body.
- Organ or bone donation can mean the organs/bones go directly to another living individual in need or to a research or training center for medical professionals
- Whole body donations often go to medical schools for study. There are even forensic training centers which utilize whole body donations.
Often, families wonder what donation means to their ability to have a service and what will become of their loved ones remains. A few questions and considerations are:
- Is viewing and visitation of the deceased important to surviving family members? (This is often unavailable for those committing to whole body donation, while organ and bone donors may have a viewing and visitation after donation.)
- Will my loved one qualify for medical donation? (this will be based on illness, weight, overall health and any prior surgeries.)
- Where and what type of program would you like to bequest the anatomical gift?
- How and when remains are given back to the family after donation?
- With whole body donation, remains are cremated after study. The cremated remains may be returned to the family or buried/entombed at a cemetery utilized by the medical donation service.
There are currently three universities in the state of Michigan that accept body dontations: Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. All universities have different requirements for acceptance. Please contact either the university itself or our funeral home with questions.
Gift of Life handles organ and bone donation services in the state of Michigan. Again, all vary on requirements of acceptance, and it is best to contact each group for questions and preliminary acceptance
