HOW IT WORKS
Click the steps below, or scroll down to learn more
Medical & neurological information is collected. Arrangements are made for when death happens.
Call to inform us of your loved one's passing & we will initiate the plans made.
Donation happens quickly & within 24 hours, without interrupting memorial services.
BEFORE DEATH
Pre-Registration is required before death, so it's important to plan ahead.
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The first step is to make sure that consents and forms are completed to ensure that donation is as smooth as possible. The pre-registration process includes a detailed application where we ask for some important medical records, if available. These records are used to help determine the condition of your brain and any specific diagnosis.
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Inform your next of kin that you have enrolled in the brain donation registry, so they know your wishes and are prepared for the process at the time of death. Our experts are available to meet to talk about the process and answer any questions that you or your next of kin may have.
WHEN DEATH OCCURS
by calling 305-674-2018
Central FL: 407-646-9864
At the time of death, all we require is a call to initiate the next steps.
The coordinator will gather information to make the necessary arrangements for transportation to the site of autopsy. Transport services are usually present within one hour when all pre-registration paperwork is already complete. If death occurs in a hospital, sometimes donation may be performed there. Otherwise, the coordinator will arrange transportation from place of death to the autopsy center.
After the autopsy, the coordinator will arrange transportation to the desired funeral home or crematorium. Our coordinator stays in close contact with your next of kin to ensure the process goes smoothly and none of your memorial plans are interrupted.
Please note, while there are no costs associated with brain donation there may be a one-way transport charge from the autopsy center to the desired funeral home or crematorium. This is the same charge usually paid to transport a loved one from the place of passing to a funeral home or crematorium.
DONATING
After initial contact with the coordinator the entire process of donating typically takes 24 hours.
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The only tissues collected during donation will be what you and your loved ones consented to during the pre-registration process. In most cases, only brain tissue is needed to examine brain diseases. In some cases, other tissues such as spinal cord or muscle may be informative.
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The donation process will not delay any funeral or cremation arrangements and does not leave any disfigurement or noticeable marks. You would still be able to have an open casket service if you so choose.
Within 3-6 months your next of kin will receive a report and summary letter from one of our doctors with the findings of autopsy and the diagnosis of any brain diseases.