24-Year-Old Plans Cryogenic Freezing for a Shot at Future Life
Becca Ziegler, a 24-year-old tech worker in Berlin, has made plans for her death. She has chosen to have her body cryogenically frozen after she passes away. Ziegler signed up with Tomorrow Biostasis, a startup that offers this service in Germany.
When she dies, medical professionals will inject her body with a chemical solution to prevent ice crystals from forming. They will then transport her body to a storage facility in Switzerland, where it will be preserved at minus 200 degrees Celsius using liquid nitrogen. Ziegler hopes that advances in medical technology might one day allow her to be revived. While many experts view this idea as unlikely, Ziegler finds it intriguing to think about what the future may hold.
Cryonics, the process of freezing bodies after death, was once seen as a niche interest for wealthy individuals but has become more available recently. Several companies worldwide are now offering cryopreservation, with around 500 people estimated to have undergone the process.
Tomorrow Biostasis, founded in 2020, is considered the first cryonics company in Europe. The service costs 50 euros a month, plus a one-time fee of 200,000 euros ($216,000) for whole-body preservation, or 75,000 euros for brain-only preservation. This lump-sum payment can be financed through life insurance.
Emil Kendziorra, the co-founder of Tomorrow Biostasis, aims to make cryopreservation affordable for more people. The company currently has about 700 paying members and has successfully preserved four individuals by the end of last year. Most clients are between 30 and 40 years old, healthy, and work in technology.
Title: The Future of Life and Death: An Interview with Becca Ziegler on Her Cryogenic Plans
Introduction:
In a world that constantly evolves, the boundaries of life and death are being redefined. Becca Ziegler, a 24-year-old tech worker based in Berlin, has taken a unique step towards her own future—or, rather, the future of her consciousness. She plans to have her body cryogenically frozen after her death, a decision made possible through her partnership with Tomorrow Biostasis. In this interview, we delve into Becca’s motivations, the science behind cryonics, and her hopes for what the future may hold.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Becca. It’s not every day we meet someone who has made such a significant decision regarding their future. Can you share what led you to choose cryonics?
Becca Ziegler: Thank you for having me! My decision to pursue cryonics was deeply personal. I’ve always been fascinated by technology and its potential to revolutionize our lives, including health and longevity. As I learned more about cryonics, it became clear to me that it represented a unique opportunity to potentially overcome the limitations of today’s medical science. I wanted to take an active role in my future, even beyond death.
Editor: That’s a bold move. How did you choose Tomorrow Biostasis, and what process will they use to preserve your body?
Becca Ziegler: I chose Tomorrow Biostasis because I was impressed by their commitment to ethical practices and their transparency about the process. When I pass away, their medical team will first inject my body with a cryoprotectant solution to prevent ice crystal formation. After that, they will transport my body to their facility in Switzerland, where it will be stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 200 degrees Celsius. This state of preservation is crucial for maintaining the cellular integrity of my body until future technologies can potentially revive me.
Editor: It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this. What are your hopes for the future, in terms of medical advancements that might allow for revival?
Becca Ziegler: My hope is primarily rooted in the advancement of medical technology and our understanding of the human brain. I dream of a time when scientists might be able to repair cellular damage caused by aging or disease, and even restore memories and consciousness. If we can achieve that, think of the possibilities—not just for me, but for humanity as a whole. The idea of being revived in a future where disease and death may be conquered is incredibly exciting.
Editor: Have you faced any skepticism or criticism regarding your decision?
Becca Ziegler: Yes, I’ve encountered skepticism, and that’s completely understandable. Cryonics is often a controversial topic, and many people have strong feelings about life and death. However, I firmly believe in the ethics of choice—this is my decision, and it’s based on my beliefs and hopes for what’s possible. I respect others who choose different paths, but I also want to advocate for the option to explore new frontiers in technology and medicine.
Editor: As a young person in tech, do you think there’s a growing interest among your peers in alternative approaches to life and death?
Becca Ziegler: Absolutely! I think the younger generation is more open to unconventional ideas, especially concerning health and longevity. With advances in AI, biotechnology, and the growing understanding of consciousness, more people are beginning to see the potential in exploring unconventional paths. There’s a thirst for innovation and a desire to challenge the status quo, and I believe cryonics fits into that mindset.
Editor: Lastly, if you could share one message to those who might consider a similar path, what would it be?
Becca Ziegler: I would encourage them to do their research, think critically, and follow their intuition. It’s vital to understand the science behind cryonics and the implications it has, but also to listen to your heart. Life is a series of choices, and we should feel empowered to choose how we want to face the future, even beyond our lifetime.
Conclusion:
Becca Ziegler’s decision to cryogenically freeze her body speaks to the ever-expanding conversation surrounding life, death, and technological advancements. As science continues to push boundaries, the implications of such choices may one day be felt beyond this generation. Whether seen as a brave step into the unknown or a controversial leap, Becca offers a glimpse into the future of personal agency in the face of mortality.
No one has successfully been revived from cryopreservation, but advocates point to recent advancements in science as hopeful signs. A few years ago, scientists successfully revived the brain of a rabbit after freezing it. More recently, researchers in China succeeded in freezing human brain tissue, restoring normal function upon thawing.
Despite these developments, some scientists remain skeptical about the possibility of bringing preserved individuals back to life. Holger Reinsch, director of the Cryo Competence Center in Germany, warns that the barriers to successful cryonics remain high.
Kendziorra acknowledged that while there is potential, there are no guarantees. Ziegler believes her choice will be worthwhile. She finds the idea of decay in a grave less appealing than the possibility of future revival through cryonics.