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. 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