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🛠️ Engineering Achievements 

Patent Granted! 

Field Washout System 

Testing of the new Whole Body Field Washout System has exceeded benchmarks in multiple metrics. The team is working on integrating even more capabilities into this system, which is currently patent pending. When complete, we’ll have a comprehensive field perfusion system that’s compact enough to fit inside a standard carry-on sized case. Think about that for a moment – lifesaving cryonics technology that can travel in an overhead bin! 
  

3D Printing  

Meanwhile, that fancy 3D printer we mentioned in previous newsletters continues proving its worth. The team is producing incredibly detailed medical-grade products from biocompatible resin, creating components that simply aren’t available commercially. The printer has been in such constant use that it’s already paid for itself in cost savings. 
 

DONATE NOW – Support Engineering 

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🔬 Research Progress 
 
New Equipment 

The lab team continues making impressive strides with new equipment acquisitions. The lab now boasts a fluorescence microscope for visualizing cell structures with special fluorescent dyes, a -80°C deep freezer for long-term preservation of biological samples, and an autoclave for sterilizing equipment. 

Getting the fluorescence microscope operational marks a significant achievement for the research team. They’ve successfully sliced thin sections from kidneys perfused with M22 and visualized the cells under the microscope. Having this capability in-house opens doors to diverse experiments for assessing organ viability after cryopreservation. 

CT Scanner Saga Continues 

In what’s becoming our own special version of Groundhog Day, we’ve hit yet another snag with the CT scanner installation. Due to a clerical error, the transformer was installed with incorrect voltage specifications. This means we now need to re-dig the trench, pour another concrete base, and install the correct transformer. While the science team remains stoic in the face of this setback, I imagine a few expletives were heard echoing down the lab hallway. 

The silver lining here is that we have no shortage of other work to focus on for the time being. Even though this temporarily puts our CT scanning plans on hold, there’s a backlog of work that will simply move higher up the priority list. 

DONATE NOW – Support Alcor’s Research 

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🚑 DART (Deployment And Recovery Team) 

Important Alcor Podcast Episode 

A new Alcor Podcast episode has been released that digs deep into the DART team and Standby Stabilization Transport (SST). There are a lot of misconceptions about what the DART team actually does and how they operate, which makes this one of our most important podcast episodes to date. Recorded with Shelby Calkins, Alcor’s medical response director, this is part one of a two-part series that discusses the history of SST, the creation of the DART model, the reasons why Alcor is moving towards in-house SST, recruitment and training, and more. We strongly encourage all members and prospective members to listen! You listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or click here to listen on our website. 

Training 

The DART team recently completed an important training session for whole body field washout capabilities. Current and prospective DART members were evaluated and tested under pressure. The quality of talent we’re seeing has been truly impressive. 

Team Growth 

We’ve added two new DART team members for expanded coverage in Northern California and Florida. This growth helps us continue improving response times and capabilities. 

International Expansion 

International expansion planning continues to progress well. Arrangements are being finalized for hosting kits and DART capabilities globally, with particular focus on Germany. The team is making steady headway in establishing connection points that will significantly decrease response times for our international members. Click here to help support Alcor’s expansion into Europe. 
 
Case Highlight 

DART recently handled a challenging post-mortem notification case, which despite the delayed start, resulted in successful stabilization and cryoprotection. Kudos to the team for making the best of a non-ideal scenario. 

DONATE NOW – Support the DART Team 

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👋 Membership & Community 
 
Alcor Magazine Q2 2024 (Back Edition) 

This back edition includes a wide range of essential content for members. You’ll find articles on “Cryonics Then and Now: How Much Progress?” examining how protocols have advanced since the 1960s, a touching tribute titled “Remembering Joe Hovey” who handled Alcor’s finances for many years and recently became a patient, and Michael Benjamin’s thought-provoking podcast on S-MIX and other matters. Special thanks to Mike Perry for his continued dedication to producing the magazine. 

Membership Audit 

The membership team has been diligently working on a comprehensive membership audit, reaching out to each current member (with special attention to legacy members) to ensure funding is up to date, membership dues are paid, and current contracts are signed. We’re pleased to report we’re almost halfway through updating all agreements. 

If any members feel they need to update funding, membership dues, or contracts, please contact the membership department directly. 
 
Arizona Legislature 

James recently presented to the Arizona House Science & Technology Committee with excellent results. The committee members were so impressed that they scheduled a follow-up visit to Alcor, touring our facilities and talking directly with our science and engineering teams. Having supportive local politicians who understand our work provides valuable political stability and reduces regulatory risks for Alcor’s future. 
 

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🧊 Frozen Dead Guy Days 

Alcor joined the festivities at this year’s Frozen Dead Guy Days festival in Estes Park, Colorado. As one of the main sponsors, our booth saw a steady stream of curious visitors throughout the weekend, giving us the opportunity to hand out plenty of Alcor-branded T-shirts and have meaningful conversations about cryonics. 

The Royal Blue Ball, a cryonics-themed costume party, saw several Alcor members dressed in their most creative outfits. It was refreshing to step away from the usual seriousness of cryonics and just have fun with the concept – a welcome break from the typically weighty discussions that surround our field. 

A highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the science demonstrations put on by Nick, Wonjin, and Jacob. Using liquid nitrogen, they conducted engaging experiments that captivated both adults and children. It was particularly heartwarming to see younger visitors getting excited about the science of cryonics. At one point, a little girl asked, “Have you revived anybody yet?” – an innocent yet pertinent question that reminds us how important it is to introduce these concepts to younger generations who might one day carry the torch for us while we are in the dewar. 
 

The DART team put on a special demonstration of standby and recovery procedures that drew a large audience. By walking spectators through the process in an entertaining way, they helped demystify an aspect of cryonics that people are often curious about. 
 

During the festival, the Alcor team received a private tour of the International Cryonics Museum. It was fascinating to see how cryonics is being presented to the public, and we were able to provide the tour guide with insider perspectives that will help her answer visitor questions with greater accuracy and depth in the future. 

The weekend concluded with the infamous Polar Plunge, where three of our daring DART team members bravely jumped into icy waters. They all took it in stride – not surprising given their extensive military and special forces backgrounds. These folks don’t flinch in the face of a little cold water! 

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📅 Upcoming Events 

APR 26 | Seattle Member Meetup CEO James Arrowood will be in Seattle, Washington for a member meetup at Purple Cafe & Wine Bar.  

MAY 10 | Alcor Monthly Board Meeting Join us at 11am MST! Access the meeting here. Going forward, the board meeting link will remain the same each month and meetings are held on the second Saturday of every month. 

MAY 17-18 | Biostasis Week @ Vitalist Bay Alcor is showing up in full force at this eight-week longevity pop-up city in Berkeley, California. CEO James Arrowood, Director of Research Nick Llewellyn, and board member Ralph Merkle will be presenting. Often seen as an outsider, cryonics will now take center stage in the broader longevity conversation. 

JUNE (TBD) | Texas: Join CEO James Arrowood as he makes his way through the Lone Star State! He’s looking forward to connecting with members across Texas for discussions and meetups. If you’re in the area and want to be part of these gatherings, drop a line to  

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✨ Not an Alcor Member Yet? 

Still warming up to the idea of cryonics? The science keeps getting better, our services keep improving, and your biological clock keeps on ticking. Maybe it’s time to stop cryocrastinating and sign-up here before your atoms decide to spontaneously rearrange themselves in a less-than-ideal configuration. 

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📌 Cryonics News Roundup 

• New York Times report on breakthrough kidney preservation: Frozen Kidney Successfully Transplanted After Cryopreservation 

• MIT Technology Review article on organ preservation: Spare living human bodies might provide organs 

• Explore Longevity report on cryonics companies looking to Sweden: Cryonics Companies Look North for Life Preservation 

 
Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Alcor Podcast | Reddit | Discord  
 
-Check out the previous newsletter in case you missed it and feel free to send your feedback to . 

Dear Members and Friends, 
 
2025 kicked off with a flurry of activity at Alcor. From handling wildfire emergencies and outfitting our new engineering space, to diving into kidney research and planning upcoming events – the year is already keeping us on our toes. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:  

⚡ TLDR 

• California wildfires hit close to home 

• Take the new member readiness survey 

• Lab got some fancy new toys 

• New podcast episode on Alcor Europe 

• Raising for Western Canada emergency kit 

• Looking for someone to run Scottsdale meetups 

• Alcor headlining Frozen Dead Guy Days 

• Alcor joins Biostasis Conference at Vitalist Bay 

• CEO visits members in California 

• Latest cryonics news roundup

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🚨 California Wildfires 

This month, the California wildfires struck uncomfortably close to home. One Alcor member lost their home, and several others had to evacuate. Shelby and the medical team maintained continuous communication with our members, ensuring everyone had a safe place to go and a reliable contact in case conditions worsened. 

It’s worth noting that fire-related cases are especially tough for cryopreservation. The damage is often severe, and recovering a patient in a fire zone is a logistical nightmare. Take those evacuation warnings seriously, folks. 

Thankfully, everyone made it through safely. Houses we can rebuild – but it’s a good wake-up call about having those emergency plans ready and keeping your cryonics provider in the loop. 

📝 Member Readiness Survey 

Speaking of keeping us in the loop – there’s a new member readiness survey making the rounds. Takes about five minutes to fill out, but it helps us understand and track different risk levels among our members. The DART team uses this info to prepare for various scenarios, making sure we can respond quickly when needed. Help us help you – take a moment to fill it out here. 

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🚀 R&D Updates 

The science and engineering wings are buzzing with activity as new equipment arrives. Thanks to our generous donors, we’re getting kitted out with some serious gear. (Still plenty left on the wishlists though – hint hint.)

🔬 The Lab  

• Nick and Wonjin are making solid progress with their kidney preservation work. After several cryopreservations of pig kidneys, they’re doing their first normothermic (body temperature) perfusions with red blood cells next week. This is the next step to start testing viability of the organs before and after cryopreservation. 

• Next week brings another upgrade as well- the new CT scanner is being installed (finally). This will allow us to do a lot more research regarding the quality of cryopreservation. For example, scanning kidneys or patients before and after cool down. Changes in density measured by the CT scan will tell us how well vitrification really occurred throughout the tissues/organs/brains etc. 

• The lab’s steadily transforming with all the new equipment. Centrifuges, freezers, tissue culture incubator, laminar flow hood – the works. In a couple months we should be able to begin research on cells and tissue slices (like brain slice cultures) to test their survival and function post cryopreservation and the effects of different CPA’s (cryo-protective agents).  

🛠️ Engineering  

• Over in engineering, Jacob and Steve shared some clever work they’re doing. They’re using this fancy 3D printer to make custom surgical equipment. Get this, it uses biomedical-grade resin! So cool. Turns out much of the off-the-shelf stuff costs a fortune and isn’t quite right for many cryonics use cases anyway. Win-win. 

• The new engineering wing continues to take shape. Slowly but surely, they’re inching closer towards being fully operational, with much of the essential equipment having already been put in place. Keep it up!  

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👋Community Outreach 

👥 Connecting with Members 

Alcor CEO James Arrowood spent last week visiting members across Northern California. Over coffee and meals, he sat down with both long-time and newer members. He noted to me how consistently impressed he is by just how accomplished the individuals who make up Alcor’s membership are. 

☕ Scottsdale Meetups 

If you’re around Phoenix – we’re looking for someone local to restart the regular unofficial Alcor meetups. The previous organizer is now safely cryopreserved in Alcor’s care (talk about dedication), so it would be nice to get some new volunteers to keep the tradition going. Drop Shelby a line if you’re interested at . 

🎙️ New Podcast Episode 

A new Alcor Podcast episode just dropped. This time, we’re diving into plans for Alcor Europe. Our International Development Coordinator, Jeremy Wiggins, joins James Arrowood to chat about why Sweden is the top pick for a new facility and what this means for our European members. 

Subscribe to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen—or just hit play on our webpage.   

🇨🇦 Western Canada Emergency Kit 

The Western Canada folks need some help. They’re trying to put together a $70k emergency kit that includes a complete equipment stack, M22 cryoprotectant, and essential medications. Designed to support neuro and whole-body cases, having this equipment on hand will greatly improve response times and care quality in western Canada. If you’re a Canadian Alcor member (or you just really really like Canadians), please consider funding this kit in part or in full. You can contribute at our directed donation page (and mention it’s for this) or contact  

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📅 Mark Your Calendar (2025

💀 Frozen Dead Guy Days (March 14-16^th) 

Alcor is the title sponsor this year! Bredo Morstoel, the original ‘Frozen Dead Guy,’ was recently relocated to Alcor’s satellite facility at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado and will be the focal point for the festival. https://frozendeadguydays.com/ 
 
If you’ve never been to this festival, you’re missing out—it’s quirky, fun, and the perfect place to introduce cryonics to a curious mainstream audience. Plus, word on the street is that Alcor CEO James Arrowood fearlessly volunteered to take on the dreaded “Polar Plunge”- worth the trip if for only that! Don’t hesitate to email him with words of encouragement! 😇  
 
Pro tip: Book your Stanley Hotel room now—Alcor members get a discount and free museum tour.  

🗣️ Biostasis Conference @ Vitalist Bay (May 17-18^th) 

The team behind the Global Cryonics Summit in Miami is now spearheading the Biostasis Conference at Vitalist Bay, an eight-week longevity pop-up city in Berkeley, California. Often seen as an outsider, cryonics will now take center stage in the broader longevity conversation. Alcor is showing up in full force with CEO James Arrowood, Director of Research Nick Llewellyn, and board member Ralph Merkle. Click here to check out their website and stay tuned for a full launch announcement in the near future. 

💬 Alcor Monthly Board Meeting (Feb 8^th at 11am MST) 

Wanna spend your precious Saturday morning discussing the finer details of Alcor’s inner workings? We do too! 🤓 Join us here! 

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✨ Not an Alcor Member Yet? 

No pressure, but if you’ve been thinking about it… new year, new you? The signup link is right here.  
 
Did you click it? I’ll know if you don’t… 👀 

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📌 Cryonics News Roundup  

• Alcor Featured on 60 Minutes Australia  

• Could Science Abolish Death? by Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston 

• Simulating the Evolution of Aging 

• Robin Hanson debates the philosophy of cryonics 

• Super-Secret Cryonics Video 
   

• Don’t forget to check out last month’s newsletter and if you enjoyed this, feel free to send me your feedback at  

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Dear Alcor Members and Friends, 
 
As we wrap up another remarkable year at Alcor, we’re excited to share our December newsletter packed with important team updates, details on Alcor Europe, member profiles, and other exciting developments for 2025. This month’s holiday newsletter is a whopper, so buckle up – we’ve got a lot of ground to cover! 

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Team Updates 🔔

We want to share some important updates about the Alcor team as we position ourselves for the future. First, we want to take a moment to recognize Marji Klima for her many years of dedication and service to Alcor. After careful deliberation, the Alcor Board of Directors has decided to eliminate the Chief Operating Officer (COO) position as part of Alcor’s efforts to streamline operations for 2025 and beyond. This adjustment reflects the evolving needs of Alcor as we continue to grow and adapt. 
 

Marji’s leadership, hard work, and deep commitment to Alcor’s mission over the years are greatly appreciated. Alcor looks forward to Marji continuing to support us in a consulting role, providing guidance on projects where her experience and expertise will continue to shine. We are truly grateful for her role in Alcor’s success and for helping ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. 
 

We’re also pleased to share two well-deserved promotions that will help strengthen Alcor’s future: 
 

• Sarah Kelly has been promoted to Senior Administrative Director. Sarah has been a steady and reliable force at Alcor, making sure our financial, administrative, and human resources systems stay on track. In her new role, she will continue to refine and strengthen these processes, focusing on Alcor’s long-term stability and smooth day-to-day operations. Sarah’s oversight of human resources will help ensure Alcor remains a supportive, organized, and well-functioning environment for our team and members alike. Behind the scenes, Sarah brings a level of dedication and care that makes a real difference to our organization. Her leadership will ensure that Alcor remains well-prepared for the road ahead. 
   

• Jacob Graber has been promoted to Lead Engineer. Over the years, Jacob’s experience and technical expertise have been invaluable as we’ve advanced our engineering capabilities. This promotion not only recognizes his seniority but also positions him to lead our growing engineering team. As we look to expand and hire additional engineers, Jacob will now be playing a key role in guiding and directing their efforts, ensuring that Alcor’s systems remain reliable and innovative. Jacob’s leadership and commitment to excellence help us deliver the level of care and technical sophistication our members and patients rely on. 
   

Changes like these can be challenging, but they also create new opportunities to grow stronger as an organization. We’re confident that these updates reflect a thoughtful step forward as we continue to build on the incredible foundation laid by people like Marji, Sarah, and Jacob. Thank you for being part of the Alcor community and for your continued support. 
 

With gratitude, 
The Alcor Team 

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Member Spotlight: Joe DiBella 👤 
By Daniel Walters  

This month, we spotlight Joe DiBella, a remarkable member of the Alcor community whose life story is a testament to service, resilience, and forward-thinking. Born in Rome, New York, Joe grew up as the eldest of nine siblings. Joe’s early passion for wrestling brought him significant achievements, including honors that would later earn him induction into three halls of fame. His wrestling career also led to his participation as a contestant on the US Olympic team. Separately, Joe had attended and graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he embarked on a distinguished career of service. As an officer, Joe coordinated one of the largest rescue operations of its time, a Thanksgiving Day mission in 1964 that saved numerous lives after a catastrophic ship collision in the Atlantic. Despite the accolades he received, including a commendation from the Coast Guard Commandant, Joe remains humble, stating, “What I did was routine. Anybody could have done it.” After leaving the Coast Guard, Joe pursued business ventures and raised a family with his wife, Françoise. His career spanned decades in the insurance industry, and he is now retired in Miami Beach, Florida. 

For him, cryonics represents a rational decision in the face of uncertainty—one rooted in possibility rather than guarantee. From my conversation with Joe, it’s clear he isn’t someone prone to philosophical flights of fancy; instead, his approach is grounded in practicality and a focus on tangible outcomes. As Joe puts it, “I have nothing to lose by being in cryonics—something to gain.” While he does not consider himself optimistic or pessimistic about the chances of revival, he describes cryonics as offering a possibility worth exploring, even if the outcome remains uncertain. He reflected on the challenges cryonics might bring, particularly the unknowns about what life could be like after revival. Despite these uncertainties, he doesn’t seem to harp on them, and continues to see cryonics as simply the logical and worthwhile path forward.  

When I asked Joe how he would like the cryonics community to remember him, he expressed that legacy is not something he actively seeks. As he explained, “All I’d like is to hopefully come back.” Like many cryonicists, his focus lies in the chance to live again and start anew, rather than leaving a lasting legacy. This perspective aligns with a common sentiment among cryonicists: that existence itself holds more significance than the remembrance of one’s contributions in their absence.  

Joe also mentioned that he has largely kept his interest in cryonics private, avoiding discussions about it with others who might not share his perspective. However, he appreciates the opportunity to connect with fellow cryonicists, stating that this interview was the first time he had spoken in-depth about cryonics with another person. While this fact didn’t bother him, when he shared this with me, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness at the missed opportunity. At the same time, the contrast between his and my own experience makes me feel incredibly privileged to connect with so many cryonicists on a regular basis.  

We’re proud to have Joe as part of the Alcor community and I plan on inviting Joe to participate in some of the upcoming community events. Perhaps this first in-depth conversation doesn’t have to be his last. 

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Introducing The Alcor Podcast! 🎙️ 

Surprise! As a little holiday gift from us to you, we’re rolling out the first episode of the official Alcor Podcast! Think of it as your monthly peek behind the curtain at Alcor Life Extension Foundation. Each episode features casual, insightful chats with the people driving Alcor forward—researchers, medical staff, and leadership—giving you a real sense of the science, progress, and stories shaping cryonics today. We’ll cover what’s new, where we’re headed, and how we’re making it happen. 
 
In the inaugural episode, Alcor CEO James Arrowood expands upon the changes shared in the November newsletter and provides insight into the organization’s largest expansion in its history. From a growing research team to international development, this episode explores the significant changes happening at Alcor and what they mean for the future. 

Whether you’re new to cryonics or a long-time member, The Alcor Podcast will keep you informed, inspired, and connected. Stay tuned for new episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. 

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Back Issues of Alcor Magazine Are Here  📚 

Rolling out some recent back issues of Alcor magazine. Consider this some perfect holiday reading – full of great articles to dive into! 

3rd Quarter 2023  
4th Quarter 2023  
1st Quarter 2024  
 
We hope you enjoy these back issues, and a big thank you to Mike Perry for his dedication and hard work in putting these editions together. Happy holidays, and happy reading! 

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Heading to Silicon Valley (late January) and Texas (February) — Let’s Connect! 🤝 

Alcor’s strength is its members, and we want to give members the opportunity to meet with leadership face to face.  

Our CEO, James Arrowood, is starting the year with a trip to Silicon Valley and Texas, and he’s excited about the opportunity to meet with Alcor members and potential supporters in the area. If you’re based in or near Silicon Valley or live in Texas and would like to sit down with James during his visits, we’d love to hear from you.  James will be in Colorado for Frozen Dead Guy in March, but will also be traveling to New York, New England area, Canada (Vancouver area), Florida, Europe and various other locations during the 2025 year.  If you have a meet up planned, would like to host one, or otherwise want to be considered for a stop on his travels, please reach out.  
 
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts, and toss around ideas about where Alcor is headed. We want to hear what matters most to you, what we could do better, and how we can strengthen Alcor together. 

📩 Interested in meeting up? Reach out to , and we’ll coordinate the details. 

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Join us at Frozen Dead Guy Days! ❄️ 

We’re thrilled to share some big news: Alcor is the title sponsor for Frozen Dead Guy Days this year! This legendary festival, happening March 14-16, 2025, with the main show day being Saturday the 15^th, in Estes Park, Colorado, is a quirky celebration of life, death, and everything in between. 
 
For those unfamiliar, Frozen Dead Guy Days started as a unique homage to Bredo Morstoel, whose cryopreserved body resided in Nederland, Colorado. Over the years, it’s evolved into an unforgettable weekend packed with live music, icy competitions, coffin races, and thought-provoking conversations about how we approach mortality and the future of life extension. It has also gained an impressive media following, drawing attention from major outlets and sparking curiosity worldwide. 

Last year, Alcor proudly opened the International Cryonics Museum at the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, establishing a lasting commitment to educating the public about the science of cryonics. Additionally, Bredo Morstoel, the original ‘Frozen Dead Guy,’ was relocated to our facility at the Stanley Hotel as part of this initiative and is now under our care.  
 
Participation last year led to multiple major positive opportunities for Alcor and as the festival grows, Alcor wants to grow with it. 1000s of members of the public heard and saw about Alcor’s mission and Alcor shirts were a big hit with the public and we want to keep that momentum going. If you plan on attending, the Stanley hotel has discounted room rates for Alcor members, as well as offers free tours of the Cryonics Museum for Alcor members. Be sure to let them know you are a member if you plan on staying there or plan on booking a tour of the museum. You’ll want to book rooms and restaurants as soon as possible as the town gets packed for that weekend. 

As title sponsor, Alcor will bring our own touch to the festivities, including interactive exhibits, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded people curious about the realities of cryonics. This is our chance to showcase realistic cryonics to the masses, offering a glimpse into the science and philosophy behind it in an approachable and engaging way. 
 
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the concept, we’d love to see you there!  
 

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Alcor’s European Expansion 🌍 

You may have heard that Alcor is looking to expand its operations into Europe. This significant step was recently announced at the Nordic Cryonics Convention in Stockholm, Sweden, where we discussed our vision for the future. Sweden has emerged as one of the primary locations under consideration for building a new facility, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans develop. But to make this vision a reality, we’re going to need your help, whether through support, contributions, or spreading the word about this exciting new chapter for Alcor. 
 
Click here to help us bring Alcor to Europe with our directed donation fund! 

Why Europe? 

• Existing Membership Base: Alcor already has a substantial European membership base that has expressed a strong interest in more localized support. Establishing operations in Europe addresses these needs for existing and prospective members. 

• Growing Demand: The European market for cryonics has been expanding steadily, with increased awareness and interest in Alcor’s services. 

• Lessons from Alcor Canada: The success of Alcor Canada has provided valuable insights into international expansion. These lessons are directly shaping the European initiative, ensuring smoother implementation. 

• DART Model Replication: Alcor’s Deployment and Recovery Team (DART) model has proven highly effective in the U.S. and Canada, and it can be replicated internationally to maintain the same high standards of emergency response. Alcor’s DART team already includes members who regularly travel between the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and additionally, we’ve already identified potential European DART team members who can help establish a local response team quickly. With sufficient funding, this team can be operational in Europe in a relatively short timeframe. 

• Dual Location Benefits: A European facility provides redundancy, offering members in both the U.S. and Europe greater peace of mind. In the event of an emergency or evacuation, dual facilities enhance operational resilience. 

• European Experience: In terms of experience operating in Europe, our CEO James Arrowood previously lived in London, worked in the UK’s House of Lords, and has both strong connections in Europe and extensive experience building relationships across the continent. 

Why Sweden as the Chosen Location? 
 

• Political Stability: Sweden’s longstanding neutrality and stable political environment make it an ideal location for a mission focused on long-term preservation. 

• Geographical Advantage: Sweden’s central location in Northern Europe makes it easily accessible to many countries, providing logistical benefits for transportation and operations. 

• Safety: With minimal natural disaster risks, including low seismic activity, Sweden offers a secure foundation for Alcor’s European headquarters. 

• Innovation and Collaboration Opportunities: Sweden’s culture of embracing science and technology fosters potential partnerships with local high-tech industries and research institutions.  

• Existing Recognition: Alcor already has a presence in Sweden through its exhibit in Norrköping’s Museum of Work, which demonstrates local interest in cryonics. 

Operational Challenges and Solutions 

• Recruiting: Like in the U.S., ideal candidates for the European DART teams will include first responders such as fire paramedics, special forces units like Germany’s KSK (Kommando Spezialkräfte) and Sweden’s SOG (Särskilda Operationsgruppen), and other highly trained medical specialists. These candidates will bring the expertise needed to ensure Alcor’s European operations meet the same high standards of emergency response as in North America. 

• Training: Initial training for new recruits will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, ensuring they gain hands-on experience before conducting operations in Europe. Over time, local training programs will be established in Europe to maintain consistency and expand the team. 

• Cross-Border Logistics: Alcor will collaborate with funeral directors experienced in international transportation of remains to comply with local and regional regulations. 

• Legal: Alcor has connections with experienced international law firms and with these legal partnerships will address country-specific challenges related to cross-border operations. 

• Language Barriers: While English will serve as a common language for operations, multilingual staff and advanced AI translation tools will ensure smooth communication across regions. 

How to Support European Expansion 

• Estimated Costs: Establishing a European facility, including training, equipment, and legal expenses, is projected to cost $3-5 million. 

• Financial Contributions: Funding remains the primary hurdle for accelerating the timeline. If Alcor were to receive the full amount of funding required, it is estimated that Alcor Europe can be up and running within a relatively short period of time.  

• Donor Support: Generous donations have played a key role in Alcor’s previous expansion into Canada. European members and other supporters are strongly encouraged to contribute to this initiative. 

• Volunteer Opportunities: Alcor is actively seeking candidates for the European board and other roles that can help shape the future of cryonics in Europe. 

• Skills and Expertise: Professionals with relevant experience in legal, medical, or operational fields are encouraged to collaborate with Alcor to overcome logistical challenges. 

• Spread Awareness: Sharing Alcor’s vision for European expansion with peers, communities, and potential supporters can amplify its impact. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Alcor’s plans for Europe. Your support makes all the difference. If you are considering contributing, know that your help directly impacts our ability to make this facility a reality. If you have questions or want to get involved, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make this happen. 
 
Click here to help us bring Alcor to Europe with our directed donation fund! 

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Closing Thoughts 🌟  
 
It’s been quite a whirlwind year for Alcor! And if you’ve made it this far in the newsletter, you deserve a medal. Thanks for being part of our community and helping make everything we do possible. We hope you enjoy the holiday season and we’re looking forward to an exciting 2025 with all of you. 

Happy Holidays from the whole Alcor team! 

Warmest regards,  
The Alcor Team 💙 

 
P.S. If you have questions comments or feedback about the newsletter, feel free to reach out to — and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook,🔗 Reddit🔗and Discord🔗