Chandler company offers free memorial service if you donate your body to science

CHANDLER, AZ - Chandler company Research for Life said if you donate your body for scientific research, they'll pay for a cremation and memorial service.

"Without donors, we wouldn't have a lot of the advances we have today in medicine," said Laboratory Manager Adam Shreves.

There's a unique set of benefits with this practice. Chandler paramedics have the opportunity to use the cadaver for training.

"Some of the skills that they're learning today are the most critical skills that we do," said Tom Dwiggins of the Chandler Fire Department

In addition to the free memorial service, there are other benefits for potential donors.

"I think the driving factor and force behind families choosing this as an option has little to do with expense and everything to do with the philanthropic aspect of knowing they can help advance medicine," said Research for Life President Garland Shreves.

You may wonder, if the body is donated, what's cremated?

Research for Life says it does hold back some remains, and provides a free urn.

The facility also provides the lab and Chandler firefighters don't have to hone their skills on a mannequin.

"We really do appreciate it; we have seen differences in the field as far as outcomes from patients because of the training we do here," said Dwiggins.

So far, Research for Life has received 1,000 donors this year.

Find out more information on the company and how to donate.