Sunsetting the research program for new sign ups

[AndyMcKenzie]

After operating the free research program for 1.5 years, we've learned that it is not the best option for us or prospective members. As a result, we are now sunsetting the research program for new sign ups. The people who have already signed up will be grandfathered in. In other words, we continue to honor the previously made agreement and offer the free preservation option previously offered for anyone already signed up for the research program.

There are many reasons that we are doing this. First, offering this program was confusing to prospective members because it only applied in certain circumstances. Second, many people understandably did not want to give biopsy samples of their brain, and (also understandably) found it objectionable that this was only required for people who needed to go with the free option. Third, it did not result in significant enrollment, as most people chose to sign up with the regular paid preservation option, and offering this did not lead to significantly more interest among the public in brain preservation with our organization.

In lieu of the research program, we will instead have a financial assistance program. This will be available to people without sufficient funds to pay in part or in total for our standard preservation option. We think that this option will be better as it will be more flexible, not require a brain biopsy, and not be confusing to prospective members. If you're interested in the financial assistance program, please contact us at hello@sparksbrain.org to discuss details.

[Mati_Roy]

So you won't take biopsies anymore, is that right?

[AndyMcKenzie]

Correct, we will not take biopsies from patients.

(With the exception of the people who already signed up for the research program, which is no longer available for new sign ups.)

[Mati_Roy]

How big of a lost do you feel that is research wise?

[AndyMcKenzie]

I don't think it's a significant loss from a research perspective. We already have a lot of brain tissue available to us. Our bottleneck is our ability to characterize it.

Also, I think most people don't want biopsy samples of their brains taken.