Body Donation

Some families find comfort in whole body donation as a way to assist medical research and education while having the option to keep their loved one’s cremated remains. At Funerals Your Way, we support families in this option with empathy and detailed guidance.

Through our partnership with Science Care, families can select whole body donation programs that include a no-cost cremation, with the option to receive the cremated remains.

Supporting Medical Research & Educating Future Physicians

Whole body donation enables a deceased person to assist in the education of physicians, and other healthcare workers, as well as to support medical research. Once the donation process is concluded, the remains are cremated and the family may request the cremated remains. Not all companies provide this service – so verify with them.

What Is Included at No Cost

All costs related to donation and cremation are covered by Science Care, including:

• • Transport of the deceased from the residence, hospital, or Medical Examiner
  • Preparation and submission of the death certificate to the State of California
  • Cremation, performed at the standard, approved facility
  • Delivery of the cremated remains to the funeral home, usually within 3-5 weeks

Eligibility & Medical Considerations

Most people can participate in the whole body donation program. However, exclusions apply, such as active contagious diseases, and morbid obesity.

Final acceptance is made at the time of death, per the medical criteria involved.

We can discuss eligibility, if needed, beforehand.

Honoring Your Loved One After Donation

It is common for families to combine whole body donation with a memorial service or other final tribute. The family should confirm with the organization they are donating the body to that they will received the cremains back. Not all companies return the ashes.

After receiving the cremated remains, families typically choose:

• • A burial at sea
  • Scattering the ashes
  • A memorial service that is private or family-led

This way, families can participate in a scientific endeavor while also having the opportunity to say goodbye in a meaningful way.