Man laid to rest after donating body for research

The donating of vital organs for the purpose of saving or prolonging life is an action that many persons still do not comprehend. Body or anatomical donation, therefore, is an act of phenomenal proportion and it guarantees that medical students or researchers interacting with these cadavers come to either understand the workings of the human body or make advancements in science.

Cadaver Stephen exemplified these ideals. Even in death, he chose to serve life. He joined the Department of Anatomical Science at Trinity in February, 2014 and, as his cremated remains were about to be laid to rest, a service of appreciation was held in commemoration of his gift of life. {{more}}This was held at the school’s campus on Friday, October 28, 2016.

In fitting tributes of appreciation, the Trinity Security Choir, comprising a group of security officers, sang the touching song ‘Across the Bridge’; while a member of the Christian Dental and Medical Association gave an inspiring rendition of ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness,’ while accompanying herself on guitar.

Furthermore, when Dr Frances Jack-Edwards, dean of students, rose to give actual words of appreciation for the gift that Cadaver Stephen had given to Trinity, she began with, “As I prepared this speech, I reflected on Stephen’s life and what sort of person he would have been to do such a selfless act of donating his body to the medical field. I realized he would have been: a father, a husband, a brother and a friend to many; a caring person whose life would have touched others in indescribable ways.” She then spoke of the benefits derived by the students as a result of Stephen’s presence in their medical career. “I would like you to pause and reflect on the knowledge of Anatomy you will carry with you to heal patients and to continue Stephen’s legacy of touching the lives in whichever community you may go back to,” she said solemnly. “Reflect on the importance of giving respect to cadavers, as well as taking time out to give thanks for their contribution to our lives.”

Following on this, after president of the Student Government Association, Jamin Graham, had presented a plaque commemorating Stephen’s place among cadavers used at Trinity to dean Dr Linda Adkinson, everyone would have been convinced that her words rang true when she said, “This is Happy Stephen’s plaque!”

The words of scripture chosen from Psalm 90, and 1 Corinthians 15: 50-58 allowed an appropriate juncture for the words of the featured speaker. In his Homily, Reverend Dr George Frederick addressed the topic, ‘The Choices We Make’. He told the audience that the choice between life and death was given by God, who also endowed mankind with the capacity to make the choice. He called death an enemy while stating that life was to be embraced. He went on to show the characteristics of life and death from a Biblical perspective, stating that death has been abolished in Christ’s life and does not have the final say. Life, on the other hand, is temporary but becomes eternal after death. “Stephen,” he intimated, “has temporarily gone on. He had made choices when he was alive, and these are what will matter when life becomes eternal.”

With the service concluded, Stephen’s remains were taken to the Kingstown cemetery, where his interment ensued. The atmosphere became one of heartfelt thanksgiving, as members of faculty and staff sang lustily to complete the act of giving appreciation to Cadaver Stephen.