Instructions

1. Fill out the paper work and have it notarized. Leave a copy with a relative, friend or lawyer and send a copy to Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Fill out the donor card and keep it with you at all times.
   
   
2. At the time of death, it is of great importance that the Program in Gross Anatomy and Body Visualization is notified as soon as possible so that confirmation of acceptance can be given. The doctor in charge of the deceased and the Program in Gross Anatomy and Body Visualization will make a decision on whether or not the donation is acceptable. You will be informed of the decision with in a short period time.
   
   
3. If the bequeathal is accepted then the college will arrange for immediate removal of the donor at no expense to the family or estate if the death occurred in the greater New York area. The telephone number is (212) 746-5677. Should the death occur during the night, weekend, or on a holiday the telephone number is (212) 534-1800.
   
   If the donation is NOT accepted, proceed with private arrangements for burial or cremation. It is regretted that Weill Medical College of Cornell University cannot make any financial contribution to these private arrangements.
   
   
4. If you wish to donate your eyes to an eye bank, please contact The Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-3902. Their telephone number is (212) 742-9000 or (212) 968-1075. This does not prevent acceptable donation of your body.
   
   
5. After completion of the anatomical examination, (approximately 2 years from the time of death) the remains are cremated privately in a dignified manner. The ashes will be returned upon request or scattered on your behalf by Weill Medical College of Cornell University. If the ashes are to be returned, it is vital that all paper work is completed with the proper information and we are notified of any change in address.
   
   In the event that no request is made for the ashes to be returned or the person designated to receive the ashes is unable to be contacted, the ashes will be scattered by Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University after a period of six months from the time of cremation.
   

Although not absolute, the following is a guide to reasons for not accepting a bequeathal:

1. Post Mortem Examination (Autopsy): Such a donor can not be accepted.
   
   
2. Transmittable Disease: Hepatitis, HIV, Septicemia, Tuberculosis.
   
   
3. Jaundice
   
   
4. Gangrene
   
   
5. Artificial Stoma: tracheotomy, ileostomy, colostomy, gastrostomy, etc.
   
   
6. Recent Operations: Where the wound has not healed.
   
   
7. Amputation: A major segment of one or more limbs.
   
   
8. Arthritic Deformity: Severe deformity of joints and spine.
   
   
9. Obesity/Emaciation: Weight should be in proximity with height: weight ratio. YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR A ROUGH ESTIMATE OF THE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT OF THE DONOR.