The Cryonics
Institute offers cryopreservation services and information. As soon as
possible after legal death, a member patient is infused with a substance to
prevent ice formation, cooled to a temperature where physical decay essentially
stops, and is then maintained indefinitely in cryostasis (ie, stored in
liquid nitrogen). As an optional extra (at
extra cost) a Cryonics Institute Member may contract for cryonics professionals
from Suspended
Animation, Inc. to wait by the bedside during a terminal condition and
immediately begin cooling and cardiopulmonary support upon pronouncement of death
to minimize brain damage. When and if future
medical technology allows, our member patients hope to be healed, rejuvenated,
revived, and awakened to a greatly extended life in youthful good health,
free from disease or the aging process.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
| | MEMBERSHIP | INITIATION |
HUMAN CRYOPRESERVATION |
|---|
| LIFETIME | $1,250 once | none |
$28,000 |
| YEARLY | $120 per year | $75 once |
$35,000 |
| (Human cryopreservation prices do not include "Local Help" cost for a funeral director or
shipping, which can range from nothing in Michigan to $3,000 on the US west coast -- and more overseas.) |
| Membership gives the privilege of making arrangements for
human cryopreservation,
pet cryopreservation or tissue/DNA cryopreservation
|
| Click Membership page to join the Cryonics Institute
|
| STANDBY AND TRANSPORT FROM SUSPENDED ANIMATION, INC. |
Insurance-funded costs for basic SA Standby/Transport
plus CI Perfusion/Storage:
|
| LIFETIME | YEARLY | |
| |
$88,000 | $95,000 |
|
| Click Suspended
Animation, Inc. for details on costs, terms and procedures
|
Cryonics
Institute: A Brief History and Overview
By Robert C.W.
Ettinger
 |
"The cryonics
movement began in 1962 with the private publication of the first version
of my first book, "The Prospect of Immortality." It gained more attention
when Doubleday published the first of several successful commercial editions,
including several in foreign languages; and with the publication of my next
book, "Man Into Superman." |
"Organizations
sprang up immediately. The Immortalist Society (originally the Cryonics Society
of Michigan, and later the Cryonics Association) was formed in 1967 to promote
cryonics, and since 1970 has published a magazine, now titled LONG LIFE: Longevity
through Technology (formerly THE IMMORTALIST and before that THE OUTLOOK).
Then in 1976
a separate organization was formed: the Cryonics Institute, to offer cryostasis
services: careful preparation, cooling, and long term patient care in liquid
nitrogen.
"Our goal was
maximum reliability and affordability. And we achieved it. The Cryonics Institute
offers clear-cut advantages over all other providers. Such as--
The Most
Affordable Prices Available Anywhere
"Our prices
are lower than any other organization -- in fact, the most affordable prices
anywhere in the world. Our minimum whole-body suspension fee is $28,000.
(For members at a distance, transportation costs and local help will
be additional.) Our $28,000 fee is a one-time only payment, with no
subsequent charges. It's easily funded by insurance or other means,
and funds the best care available for our member patients. (For
last-minute cases, where the patient was not signed up beforehand, we ordinarily
charge $35,000 rather than $28,000, if arrangements can be worked out at
all.)
"Does that
lower fee mean lower quality patient care or services? No. The major
part of other organizations' fees are earmarked for investment provisions
totally unrelated to patient care and preparation. Methods and research differ,
but overall we believe our procedures and policies give a better chance for
patient survival than any other organization's -- and this web site will
show you the detailed reasons why.
"See for yourself.
Read our FAQ and see a special
section -- clear and easy to read -- called
"Comparing Procedures And Policies." It explains
where your money gos, and why it goes to giving you and those you love the
best possible chance for future survival. Remember: most CI members can afford
the higher prices of other organizations for themselves and their families
-- and often do give more, in bequests and donations. But we've chosen CI
-- because we know it's our best bet. And yours.
Stability,
Safety, And Security
"We have a
unique, proven track record of financial security and stability. Price stability
too. CI is the only organization with no debt, no stockholders, and no landlords.
We own our patient care facilities outright, and all our officers and directors
donate their services voluntarily. We're one of the oldest cryonics organizations
in existence -- and the only such organization that has never raised its
prices, even in high-inflation times like the late 70s and early 80s. Adjusting
for inflation, our prices have actually steadily declined, and we expect
this to continue.
"Financially,
we are the soundest cryonics organization in existence.
Rapid On-The-Spot
Care
"We have a
uniquely flexible and rapid system of emergency patient care based on universally
available networks of mortuary assistance (and often medical assistance).
This means that in the critical early stages, we can bring qualified
professionals to you faster than any other system -- to you, and to travelers,
vacationers, and members throughout most of the world. In particular,
London-based F.A. Albin & Sons funeral directors are trained, practiced,
equipped, and prepared to fly a team anywhere in Europe on short notice to
help European CI members or tourists and business travellers.
Your Best
And Most Comprehensive Free Informational Resource
"And lastly,
we offer you a continually updated information center -- this web page. The
site you're reading will lead you to everything you need to know about the
subject of cryonics, and more. It offers you free information, free books,
the latest news, hundreds of links to thousands of sources covering health,
science, cutting-edge medicine, nanotechnology, financial help and resources,
and supportive people and organizations. And if that's not enough? We personally
will answer any question you might have about cryonics or the Cryonics Institute
directly by email, or direct you to someone who can. In the world of cryonics,
this is the source to visit, and the place to be.
"So come in.
Talk to us, and learn about us. And about the world of cryonics--the only
hope for the elderly or terminally ill, or for those who die suddenly.
Cryonics -- the only alternative to the despair of death and disease.
A new technology of life potentially without limits.
"But please
-- don't wait too long. That can be fatal, and often has been. Read our web
page, send us email, call us, write us, visit our facility -- tll us what
we can do for you to help make your decision an informed one. We'll
be happy to help. But act now. It could save a life -- just maybe your own.
Make a commitment, if you value your life and the lives of the people you
love.
"Remember.
You need us, and we need you. Help us to share and build the long
tomorrow."
