By: Sharon Aron Baron
One national company who has made South Florida its home is educating others on how they can leave their own legacy to benefit future generations.
Science Care, based out of Phoenix, AZ moved their Florida operations to Coral Springs in 2012 to make whole body donation one of the most compassionate funeral alternatives available.
According to Melinda Ellsworth, Director of Donor Services, “By donating your body to science you are able to help others for years to come and help your family by removing the expenses for cremation.”
Science Care is a whole body donor program supporting life through medical research, training and education. The program is no cost and includes cremation and the return of cremated remains to families. Since opening in 2000, the company has distinguished itself as a leading whole body donor program with state-of-the-art, hands-on medical training facilities and services nationwide.
Science Care Family Services Manager Stephanie Shenefelt (left) discussing the program with a potential donor
Locally, Science Care’s Coral Springs donation center specifically serves Floridians and the medical community requiring human tissue to advance medicine. Accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, Science Care has helped to set the standard of excellence and quality for non-transplant tissue banks everywhere.
Not only are the benefits to medical science enormous, there are benefits to families as well. Upon acceptance there is no cost to the family. This includes transportation, cremation, the return of cremated remains and the filing of the death certificate. Most will qualify, even those with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or ALS.
“We welcome local residents to give us a call anytime 24 hours a day to learn more about our no cost donation program,” said Ellsworth. “In today’s difficult economy families can now have a way to honor their loved ones by supporting life through the gift of whole body donation and they can ease the financial burden as our program includes cremation at no cost.”
Without the generous gifts of whole body donors, the rate of innovation in surgical devices, implant technologies and minimally invasive techniques would be much slower. Researchers need human tissue to help develop new treatment options for those suffering from life-affecting and debilitation diseases such as macular degeneration, blocked arteries, osteoporosis, arthritis and many others.
“Science Care is a tremendous program for our community, and a wonderful way to leave a lasting legacy by helping others to lead fuller lives,” said Ellsworth.
To learn more about the program visit www.ScienceCare.com or call 800.417.3747 anytime. Donation Services Coordinators are available 24 hours a day to assist and answer all your questions. Residents in Tamarac, Lauderhill, Margate, Sunrise, Parkland, and North Lauderdale are welcome to call.