As a recipient, you may wish to communicate with family of the person who donated the organ you received. Writing to donor families is very important to them and reminds them that their loved one saved the lives of real people--a card or letter often gives some meaning & comfort in their loss.
You can choose to write your donor family to tell them a little about yourself, your family, occupation, hobbies, etc. We know that donor families often welcome and appreciate this.
As the region’s non-profit organ and tissue donor program, Tennessee Donor Services facilitates the delivery of all letters and correspondence between donor families and transplant recipients.
If you would like to write to your donor family, consider sending a hand written or typed letter or even a simple greeting card, if the words don't come to you. Following are some guidelines for writing to donor families:
Writing About Yourself
* Include your first name only
* Discuss your family situation such as marital status, children or grandchildren. (Do not include last names)
* Share your job or occupation, hobbies or interests.
* Please avoid giving too much detail and medical information about yourself.
* Use simple language.
* While donor families appreciate learning about you, please do not feel the need to share too much personal detailed information with them.
* Since the religion of the donor family is unknown, please consider this if you are including religious comments.
Closing Your Card or Letter
* Sign your first name only.
* Do not reveal your address, city or phone number.
* Do not reveal the name or location of the hospital where received your transplant.
Allow Extra Mailing Time
After your transplant center receives your correspondence, it will be reviewed to assure confidentiality and then forwarded to the organ procurement organization (such as Tennessee Donor Services) that coordinated your donor's gift of life. They will forward it to your donor family, if they have chosen to receive correspondence. This process takes time, so please allow ample time for your card or letter to reach the family.
Will You Hear From the Donor Family?
You may or may not hear from them. Please remember that donor families have experienced a tremendous loss. While some families may respond immediately, and benefit from writing to you; others may find it difficult to respond to your gesture at this time. However, most donor families appreciate hearing from their recipients, even if they are not able to respond. A simple 'thank you' means so much to them; just knowing that you remember their loved one and appreciate their gift.
Thank You for Writing
We know that donor families appreciate hearing from recipients. We also can appreciate how difficult it may have been for you to write this letter. We thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Mailing Your Card or Letter
» Place it in an unsealed envelope
» Include in the envelope on a separate piece of paper:
--Your full name
--Date of your transplant
--Request that the letter be forwarded to your donor family
» Mail this to your transplant center |
