X-Message-Number: 14910
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 12:03:55 -0700
From: Linda Chamberlain <>
Subject: Vitrification Now Available
The following letter was just mailed to all Alcor members:
Dear Alcor
Member:
Major research breakthroughs have been made in vitrification applications to
human biostasis. Through BioTransport, Inc., Alcor has obtained new
chemicals
and procedures developed by 21st Century Medicine for all neuropreservation
operations. These new chemicals include a new cryoprotectant combination and
two newly discovered chemicals that act as "ice blockers" -- they actively
prevent the formation of ice, allowing the solution to "vitrify . This means
the tissue will turn into a glass-like solid instead of forming damaging
crystals.
This won't be perfect, of course. Circumstances that could compromise
biostasis include the length of time between the last heartbeat and the
beginning of rescue, the effects of previous brain injury, and the transport
time to arrive at the Alcor facility for procedures that cannot be
performed in
the field. Still, these break-throughs appear to be a singularly important
steps in the history of biostasis and will propel us closer to true suspended
animation.
Important, detailed articles explaining these changes will be published in the
4th Quarter issue of Cryonics magazine, due to be mailed about November 27,
2000. We strongly urge you to read these articles to understand the depth of
the changes that are occurring. However, there is one very important point
about these changes that we need to inform you of - immediately and directly.
For these chemicals to work properly, the cool-down process must be
accomplished rapidly, at a rate higher than ever before attempted, and
difficult to achieve. Right now, Alcor can cool only neurosuspension
patients
this rapidly. There is much technical development work to be done to achieve
this rapid of cooling with a mass the size of a whole body patient.
Considerable funding will be required to support this level of development. A
large scale grant could make it possible in a year or less. Without that, far
longer could be required. We cannot predict how long this will take.
We are currently studying the real costs that might be incurred by using this
vastly improved technology. We do not know if price increases will be needed
in the future or not. It is possible we might grandfather all current members
but raise suspension minimums for new members. It is possible that higher
minimums will be required eventually for everyone - or for no one. We do not
yet have enough information to make this critical decision at this time.
As members, YOU need to assess your situation and decide what your risks are,
and whether or not you want to make any changes. If you have selected
neurosuspension, you do not need to make any changes. Alcor will for now
continue to "grandfather" your membership funding level and will provide the
updated technology at no additional increase of required funding. We will
also
continue to grandfather the suspension minimums for members who have selected
whole body suspension and provide whatever improvements we can, with no
increase in required funding at this time. If you have whole body funding,
however, you may want to take advantage of neurovitrification.
If you wish to alter your choice of suspension method from whole body to
neurosuspension, a form is enclosed for you to do so. If you decide to change
your preferred method at this time, it will not affect your ability to a
select
a different option at sometime in the future at your current grandfathered
rate
- assuming we are able to maintain that rate for anyone. The selection of a
more costly option will require that appropriate funding be provided. If
after reading the articles in Cryonics magazine about these changes, you have
further questions about your choice, please call Jennifer Chapman, Alcor
Membership Administrator at 480-905-1906 x 100 between 10 AM and 7 PM, Arizona
time.
Boundless Life,
Fred Chamberlain,
President, CEO
Linda Chamberlain ()
Executive Director / Membership Administrator
Alcor Life Extension Foundation
Non-profit cryotransport services since 1972.
7895 E. Acoma Dr., Suite 110, Scottsdale AZ 85260-6916
Membership Information: (877) GO-ALCOR (462-5267)
Phone (480) 905-1906 x 113 FAX (480) 922-9027
for general requests
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