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

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