Body donor makes final gift to increase medical knowledge, understanding

Massage therapist among 100 donors honored at OHSU Body Donation Program’s annual Service of Gratitude

By Franny White January 09, 2020 Portland, Oregon

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2019 Paula Karen Olch

Karen Olch (left) with her mother, Paula Olch of Eugene, Ore., who donated her body to the OHSU Body Donation Program after her death in 2019. (Photo courtesy Olch family)

2019 Paula Olch

Paula Olch of Eugene, Ore., donated her body to the OHSU Body Donation Program after her death at age 87 on June 22, 2019. (Photo courtesy Olch family)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Kimarie Lamb speaks at the Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. Lamb wasn't aware that her young adult son had signed up to be a body donor, only learning about it at the time of his death. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

"Thank you for making the most sacred of donations," reads OHSU medical student Emily Mitchell, from her reflection at the Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Karen Olch of Eugene, Ore. attends the Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. Olch's mother donated her body after her death in June, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

2019 Body Donation Program Donor Memorial

Karen Olch of Eugene, Ore. chokes up as she speaks at the Donor Memorial Service for the OHSU Body Donation Program, December 6, 2019. Olch's mother donated her body after her death in June, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)