A GIFT THAT GIVES FOREVER: Willed Body Program Director Discusses the Benefits for Students and Donors.

PositionEXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION

Amanda Mittelstadt has a positive energy you can feel in her handshake and hear in her voice.

Her nature is upbeat and passionate. After she graduated from mortuary school and began her career, she discovered how her positive disposition benefits families in mourning.

"The energy I naturally have helps families because they don't see the stereotypical idea of a solemn funeral director," says Mittelstadt, who has 10 years'experience in the funeral industry. "They see someone they can open up to."

That makes her new position as director of HPU's Willed Body Program ideal. Through the program, individuals can donate their body to science after death. Mittelstadt educates families on how the process works and how impactful their gift can be.

Not only is she building relationships with these families, alumni, community members and anyone interested in contributing, but she's also working with students in a new anatomy lab and supplementing their education.

"By donating your body, you will help not just one student, but many students and patients," she says.

Donors will contribute to the education of future health care providers in the Congdon School of Health Sciences, including physical therapy doctoral, and physician assistant and athletic training master's students. But their contribution will go far beyond the lab.

"They'll remember you as their first patient who helped them develop the understanding of humanity--how to be kind and gentle. And they will take that with them when they begin to treat patients. It's something that will always live on and continue to give back."

The program launched in October and covers the following costs for those who meet the program's criteria: transportation within a 300-mile radius; cremation, burial at sea or internment in HPU's Memorial...

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