Annual Memorial Service for Body Donors Open to Public

DES MOINES, IA (05/07/2009)(readMedia)-- On Friday, May 15, Des Moines University (DMU) will honor 58 Iowans who donated their bodies to further medical education. The family of each donor, the DMU community and the public is invited to remember and recognize each generous gift.

The non-denominational service will begin at 1 p.m. in the Student Education Center auditorium, 3300 Grand Avenue, and is open to all. The body donor memorial service has been held annually for at least 37 years. Military honors will be performed for the veteran donors.

"Those who donate their bodies continue giving well after their passing. Working with a donor provided me not only a vast amount of medical knowledge but also a greater respect for the human body," said Jonathan Thompson, DMU podiatric medical student. "I hope this service conveys just how much each donor has given and honors their lives by recognizing their ultimate selfless gift."

Family members at the service will be given a lapel pin that honors the gift their loved one made. At least 300 people are expected to attend. Donors came from all parts of Iowa and family has been invited from around the country.

The Body Donor Program at Des Moines University has been contributing to medical investigation and student education for as long as the University has. Since detailed record keeping began in 1955, more than 2,100 bodies have been donated to DMU. Studying the body's systems and organs contributes to a thorough understanding of human anatomy. When a body is donated to the program, the University pays a portion of the transportation costs and provides for the memorial service and entombment.

Making death preparations is not something most people like to talk about but planning ahead insures the option of donating your body to science. For more information about the Body Donor Program at DMU, call 515-271-1481.

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Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.