Alcor Holiday Newsletter – Dec 2024

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! 

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 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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 [email protected], and we’ll coordinate the details. 

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!  

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! 

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 [email protected] — and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook,🔗 Reddit🔗and Discord🔗