X-Message-Number: 2359 Subject: CRYONICS Clarification of ACS/Alcor Relationship From: (American Cryonics Soc) Date: Thu, 22 Jul 93 08:44:03 PDT Steve Bridge has sent ACS an official message: Tanya spoke today with a gentleman who has been investigating the various cryonics groups to see if he wants to make suspension arrangements. He told her that in conversation with some ACS members, he was told that he could join ACS but be stored at Alcor. This confused him, and it confuses me, too. Any such statements by ACS are misleading and untrue. This arrangement has never been discussed between Alcor and ACS (or between you and I) except in the most vague terms. A couple of Alcor Directors have suggested to the Board (in a very general way) that Alcor should consider providing suspension patient storage for other organizations someday; but no specific policy has been proposed. Steve is essentially correct. It's our (ACS') understanding that ACS members cannot make arrangements -through ACS- to be either suspended by or stored at Alcor. Alcor currently will only suspend and/or store its own members. A few months ago, I posted here some messages -encouraging- Alcor to "unbundle" its services; but it's our understanding, confirmed by Steve's letter that this hasn't happened. On the other hand it -is possible- to "join ACS but be stored at Alcor."; but one must join Alcor too. There are several ACS members who are also Alcor members and have their suspension arrangements with Alcor. There are plausible reasons why this might be a good idea. 1. ACS may be able to suspend you if for some reason Alcor cannot. 2. If Alcor is unable to keep you suspended for any reason, ACS may be able to "rescue" you. Note the above points are not meant to disparage Alcor. No-one can predict the future. It may be that Alcor "outlives" ACS as an organization. It's just a good idea to hedge your bets if you can. 3. ACS can act as a repository and trustee for any funds you have in excess of Alcor's minimum. It's our impression that Alcor puts all suspension funds into a common pot, for the benefit of all Alcor patients equally; so there seems little point in giving Alcor more than their minimum charge. Another possible repository for excess funds might be Saul Kent's "Reanimation Foundation". However, it seems money deposited here could not be used for purposes 1. or 2. above. In any case, "investigate before you invest". Such dual members of both ACS and Alcor who make arrangements with Alcor should be aware that, in most forseeable circumstances, they will be under complete control of Alcor. ACS will not be able to inspect Alcor facilities except with Alcor's permission, and will not be able to decide if you should be transferred elsewhere without Alcor's consent. Edgar Swank ACS Governor -- (American Cryonics Soc) SPECTROX SYSTEMS +1.408.252.1005 Cupertino, Ca Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=2359