Share your Legacy to Science.
Frequency Asked Questions
NovaShare is your resource for body donation to science program information, medical training and education, and more.
Q1. Does body donation cost anything to the donor or their family?
No, there is no cost, and no catch. NovaShare covers the costs associated with transportation, donation, cremation, and delivery. In most cases, cremated remains are returned to the donor's family within six months.
Q2. Why body donation?
Body donation is a meaningful way to contribute to medical education, research, and innovation. Donors help train healthcare professionals, advance scientific understanding, and improve future patient care. Many families find comfort knowing their loved one made a lasting difference.
Q3. Can I add body donation to my planned arrangements/will?
Yes. You can include body donation as part of your advance planning or estate documents. We also recommend letting your family or executor know your wishes so they can easily carry them out when the time comes.
Q4. After passing, what should my family expect next?
When the time comes, your family simply contacts NovaShare. Our team guides them step by step, coordinates transportation, and handles the logistics with care and respect - allowing loved ones to focus on remembering and honoring you.
Q5. Are there exclusions for body donation?
Some medical conditions, circumstances of passing, or timing factors may affect eligibility. Each donation is evaluated individually, and we communicate clearly and compassionately with families if donation is not possible.
Q6. Is there an age limit to body donations?
No. There is no strict age limit. What matters most is overall medical suitability at the time of passing, not age alone.
Q7. What is the difference between NovaShare body donation and the donor symbol on my driver’s license?
The symbol on your driver’s license typically refers to organ and tissue donation for transplant. Whole-body donation through NovaShare is a separate process focused on medical education and research, and it requires prior registration or family consent.
Q8. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service?
Absolutely. Families may hold a memorial service before or after donation. Because the body is donated, traditional burial services may differ, but meaningful celebrations of life are always possible.
Q9. How will my donation help medical research?
Your donation leaves a lasting impact on the medical community by supporting the education of future healthcare professionals and advancing medical research. Donors play a vital role in hands-on training, helping doctors refine skills that improve patient safety and outcomes. In addition, donations contribute to medical innovation - supporting the development of new techniques, technologies, and treatments. Through this gift, your legacy continues in the progress of medicine and the lives improved by it.
Q10. Where is my body being donated?
Donations are shared with accredited medical institutions, universities, and research organizations that align with NovaShare’s ethical standards. All donations are handled with dignity, professionalism, and respect.
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