Season 2 Episode 42: The Most Powerful Gift You Never Knew You Could Give: Understanding Brain Donation

brain bank brain donation brain donor sparc May 19, 2025

Episode Summary: When most people think about leaving a legacy, they imagine money, possessions, or family traditions. But what if one of the most meaningful gifts you could leave behind is something most people never even consider — your brain?

In this episode, Honey explores the rarely discussed topic of brain donation, including how it differs from organ donation and how it can contribute to groundbreaking research. She shares her and Santiago’s personal experience learning about the SPARC program and walks through key considerations if you’re thinking about making this unique and impactful gift part of your end-of-life planning.

Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a local professional for specific guidance for your needs.

Essential Question: What if the most valuable gift you could leave behind isn’t in your bank account — but in your skull?

Episode Highlights:

The difference between organ donation and brain donation
Why both healthy and affected brains are vital to research
An overview of SPARC and how it supports military-related brain research
What Honey learned by calling Harvard’s Brain Tissue Resource Center
Questions to ask when researching brain donation programs

Advice from Host:

Start your research now while you’re clear of mind.
Ask important questions — some programs may request medical history or have specific criteria.
Talk to your family and document your wishes in your planning documents.
Most likely, you can still have the funeral or burial of your choice, and most programs are free.

Conclusion: Your will distributes what you own — but brain donation extends what you know. This gift has the potential to unlock answers, drive research, and bring healing to families for generations to come. It’s never too early to consider how your legacy might live on through science.

Resources:

SPARC: https://www.sparc-community.org/
Harvard University Brain Bank: https://hbtrc.mclean.harvard.edu/brain-donation/info/
VA Biorepository Brain Bank (VABBB): https://www.research.va.gov/programs/tissue_banking/control/default.cfm
Brain Donor Project: https://braindonorproject.org/

Connect with Thoughtful Planning Hosts, Santiago & Honey:

Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit

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