Personal stories

“Giulio wanted his body, which had caused him so much suffering, to be useful in alleviating others’ suffering. I am proud of his choice. May his small, yet great contribution be of help. I thank his doctors for putting the wishes of our family members first, and for being aware of the painful and difficult moment we are experiencing.”

“I am happy that she was able to make this choice, and I really hope that her donation has been useful. I strongly believe in medicine and in the progress, it can achieve, and I understand how important it is to train new doctors. In fact, as you know, I also chose to donate my body to your Institute.”

“There’s also another way of ensuring that our young students can learn the difficult art of Medicine, and that is through the voluntary donation of your body. My father, who died over a year ago, chose this path as a way of repaying his debt of gratitude to Bologna’s healthcare system. He was from Calabria, and was admirably treated, cared for and respected in his illness as only persons of great culture and scientific knowledge know how. To these doctors we gave his and our thanks, and to them he wished to donate his body with love and trust. A few days ago, he completed his mission on this earth. He was a teacher, and he went on teaching even after his death. He left an enormous and valuable example for us.”

“It’s a wonderful and comforting thought to know that their body may have contributed to medical studies somehow. It was just what they wanted.”

“Knowing that his gesture will allow many students to become excellent medical professionals, and possibly also to help the research, make us even more proud of him. And to think that it all started because I asked him to be my trustee, because I myself want to donate my body in the future, and he answered, “Of course, if you do it for me first”.

Body Donation to Science in a Graphic Novel

Published in April 2024, this book is a synthesis of medicine, sociology, scientific illustration, and art, aiming to give a plural and synergistic voice to an act of great generosity: donating one’s body to science for medical education and scientific research. It is the result of a collaboration between the University of Bologna and the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna. The content of the book stems from anecdotes, reflections, and testimonies collected from medical students, healthcare and research professionals, donors, and their families.