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Ceremony celebrates life, learning in death by Cindy Abole Public Relations Recognizing the greatest gift—themselves— to benefit others was the theme of the annual service of gratitude presented in honor of individuals and their families who have participated in MUSC’s Anatomical Gift Program.  Justin Ellett, left, Carrie Jordan and Jessica Pease begin the St. Luke's service on Dec. 8.  The event drew a standing room only crowd of donors' families, friends, MUSC faculty and a talented core of students who benefit from these gifts.  Medical, dental and health professions students contributed their time and talents in the hour-long event held at St. Luke’s Chapel on Dec. 8. Students sang hymns, recited readings and prayers, played instruments and participated as ushers with other individuals for the event. The program was co-sponsored by Pastoral Care Services and the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy.  Student coordinators Becky Floyd and Richard Webb helped organize the program with the guidance of anatomy course director James Hardin, Ph.D., Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Pastoral Care Services Chaplin Terry Wilson and Grace Close. “This is truly a program coordinated and prepared by our gross anatomy students,” said Tim Fitzharris, Ph.D., professor and associate chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy. “People soon realize that as students show their commitment through this event, they somehow help families and individuals find closure with their loved ones, while honoring the teaching aspect and spiritual value of this gift through the program.” Both Floyd and Webb began planning in early October. They drafted a letter to first-year anatomy students explaining details of the event and describing their need for speakers, musicians and participants. The overall response was positive. From there, the pair drew from their pool of talent and finalized their selections of music, hymns and readings. By November, the orchestra and choir were rehearsing at the Ashley River Baptist Church. “I'm excited the event went very well,” said Richard Webb, College of Medicine, Class of 2007. “We worked hard to involve all students in the gross anatomy programs. It was encouraging to see family members comforted through our efforts.” Each year, the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy’s body gift program receives donations from around the state to support their educational and research efforts. Donor bodies are used to help teach anatomy to first-year medical and dental students as well as health professions students enrolled in the physicians assistant, occu-pational and physical therapy programs.  The gift program was created in response to the Anatomical Gift Act of 1968 allowing individuals to donate their bodies to medical research and teaching. CDM student Paul Doughty, right, presents a symbolic shell to a  anatomical gift donor's family. Rev. Wilson provided his own words of comfort as he described the ocean and treasures of the sea, more specifically a shell, as an earthly reminder of a temporary shelter of precious life. Later, he helped students present North Atlantic welk conch shells to donor families in memory of their loved ones.  “These students put in their time, efforts and talents to recognize the special gift of these donors and their families,” said Wilson. “Their interaction expressed in time and talents is a testament of thanks to these families for helping them in their learning, lifelong practice and commitment to helping others.” For more information on MUSC’s Anatomical Gift Program and download forms, visit http://cba.musc.edu “Gross Anatomy” by Allison Evans  COM Class of 2007 Rough, weathered hands… you must have worked a lot. Lines around your lips and forehead… you must have laughed a lot. Worn soles upon your feet… you must have danced a lot. A great heart inside your chest… you must have loved a lot. In a few short months,  I have learned much about you, And yet I know nothing of your self. You have taught me much;  you have showed me much, More than the books upon my shelf. I often wonder, are you watching me In some far off place, learning as I do? Are you encouraging me, supporting me In these dreams that I pursue? Do you know what your decision has done? A donation not given to just any, Do you know how much your gift has meant? In giving yours, you will save many.   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.