Donors of New York Chiropractic College's Anatomical Gift Program Remembered at Memorial Service

No text book alone can help students prepare for their roles as future healthcare providers. Fortunately, students at New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) are privileged to have the opportunity to learn about the human body through the use of donated human cadavers. 

"Human cadavers serve as a silent teacher," said NYCC President Dr. Michael Mestan, referring to donors as 'our first patients.' "Family and friends should be comforted by the knowledge that faculty, staff and students hold in highest esteem and deeply appreciate the individuals who have donated their body for study."

This important contribution to science and the future of healthcare is made possible by individuals who donate their body to the NYCC's Anatomical Gift Program. These donors were recently celebrated and honored during the Anatomy Center Memorial Service held at the College.

Family and friends of the donors, as well as faculty, students and staff gathered together in the Delavan Theater. The memorial included performances by student musicians and words of remembrance. Faculty keynote Dr. Robyn Wakefield-Murphy spoke about the importance of remembering each donor as a living person with important relationships and a "life full of stories and memories."

Student keynote speaker Andrew Morgan (D.C., '20) described the importance of anatomical donations through the metaphor of navigating a dark room while balancing a glass of water. "(In the dark) You would stumble, bump into things maybe even spill the water, but you may be able to do it," he said. "Now imagine how much easier it would be if I just turn on the lights and ask you to do the same exact thing." For Andrew, and other students who learn with anatomical donations as they study to be healthcare providers, he said donors are the "impeccable souls who turn on the lights."

Reverend J. Brad Benson of Trinity Episcopal Church in Seneca Falls performed the invocation and benediction, and a military service was presented by the Navy Honor Guard, Waterloo American Legion Post 435 and VRW Post 6433. 

Read more about the Anatomical Gift Program at NYCC.