It is an honor to be able to speak to you today.

I am grateful for the hundreds of individuals who donate their bodies so that students, like myself, 
may learn.  Often I have asked myself questions regarding these human beings, for they are not 
simply bodies.  Questions such as:  "Where did this person grow up?  What was their childhood 
like?  Was this person married?  Did this person have children?  Where did they work?  Did they 
leave behind a family?"  Perhaps the question asked most is, "Why did this person choose to 
donate their body to science?"  I obviously do not know exactly what brought each individual to 
make this decision.  However, I am sure that many came to this decision because of a desire to 
help others.  

It is said,  ?And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.? (Luke 6:31) 
 We have all been touched by the stories of those who have received the gift of life through the 
organ donation program.  Through such a wonderful program many lives are extended and their 
quality improved.  The body donation program does not get the same publicity, yet it too, 
although indirectly, saves lives.  I am sure these individuals would have liked to remain alive with 
their loved ones.  Unfortunately, that was unable to happen so they chose to be an instrument in 
the saving of someone else's life.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye 
also love one another.? (John 13:34)  What does it mean to have love for another?  When the 
concern and well-being of someone takes precedence over the concern and well-being of ones 
own self, then the state of love exists.  Why would someone donate their body to science? They 
knew that their donation would not only teach students, but that the knowledge these students 
take with them into their medical practices will help countless others.  They had love, love for 
someone they have not even met before.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.?  (John 15:13)  
These individuals who donated their bodies had enough love for me and those all around me, to 
make as one of their last wishes, to have their body donated to science.  I do not think it 
inappropriate to say they did this for us.  Not just for the students.  They did it for society.  They 
did it for the well-being of all of us.  We are their friends.

I am truly honored to be considered their friend.  I may not know their names, where they lived, 
or what their lives were like, but I will carry on with their wish.  I will help as many people as I 
can.