George’s final gift will be hard to top
GEORGE Fraser is an active member of the Tweed community, pouring beers behind “his” bar at the Tweed South Bowls Club and helping the public as a Justice of the Peace, among other things.
The 85-year-old said he genuinely loved life and helping people, which is why, much to the dismay of his family, he is a registered body donor for science.
More than 250 Gold Coasters have donated their bodies to Griffith University's donor program and there are currently 3900 living donors registered in southeast Queensland.
Bodies are used for teaching purposes and are employed for student examination and dissection.
When a body arrived, an embalming process is carried out to preserve the tissues in a sterile condition.
The body is then placed in cold storage until required, for the teaching of anatomy to students and health professionals and for anatomical research.
Mr Fraser’s late wife, Eleanor, donated her body to the program.
“My wife and I had a terrific life,” Mr Fraser said.
“We were married for 50odd years.
“We wanted to help others, so by donating our bodies it will be beneficial for research and education.
“It can’t wait until you’re lying there on the operating table for the doctors to scratch their heads to try to figure it out. This is my way to help them, help others.”
Mr Fraser said he understood the concerns of his family – who have accepted his decision – but if he came back for a second shot at life, he’d do the same thing.
Griffith University’s School of Allied Health Sciences’ Professor Belinda Beck said about 40 donors were accepted into the program each year at the time of death and cremated after three years.
“People want to make one last contribution to mankind and make a difference,” she said. “We study muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, internal organs, the brain and more. It lends an incredibly realistic 3D understanding of true human anatomy. Our students are highly appreciative and respectful of the individual and remains.”
To find out more, call 5678 7700.