Write to your Donor Family
How do you say “thank you” for the gift of life?
As a recipient, you may be wondering about the person who gave you the gift of life. The decision to write a letter to the family of your donor is a personal one and you should not feel any pressure to act in one way or another. However, simply hearing from you may bring comfort to them by knowing their gift of life has helped another individual. As the organ recovery agency making donation possible, LifeShare can help you with this process by forwarding any written correspondence to the donor family members involved in your transplant. All correspondence is anonymous, and identities are kept confidential.
If you decide to write, here are some suggestions and guidelines:
Provide general information
Only information you are comfortable with sharing about yourself.
This may include occupation, hobbies, interests, or special things your loved one enjoyed. First names are welcome.
Please do not share last names, geographic locations, phone numbers, email addresses, social media pages, hospital names, physicians that helped you, etc. Due to LifeShare’s confidentiality policy, this information will be omitted if included in any letters.
How this gife has impacted you
You may want to briefly explain the circumstances that led to your need for a transplant. You can also include how this gift has impacted you, your family, and community.
Other things to consider
Use simple language.
Be thoughtful when using spiritual comments since the religion of the recipient is unknown.
Conclude your letter
Sign your first name only.
Do not reveal your address, city, email or phone number.
Do not reveal the name or location o the hospital where the donation took place.
Prepare to send your letter
Place the letter or card in an unsealed envelope within the mailing envelope.
Include a separate sheet of paper with your loved one's full name, date of donation, your full name and contact information, and which recipients should receive the letter or card.
Mail your correspondence
LifeShare
Attn: Aftercare
4705 NW Expressway
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
Save time, submit your letter online with your smartphone, just scan the QR code.
Once your correspondence is received, it will be reviewed by an Aftercare Coordinator to ensure confidentiality. It will then be forwarded to the donor family. Although we strive to complete this task quickly, this entire process may take several weeks before the letter reaches the donor family.
Will I hear from the donor family?
Keep in mind the donor family may or may not send a response to your letter. This is their personal decision that could be made for various reasons. Many donor families state they feel overwhelmed with emotion and while hearing from the recipients may bring them a sense of comfort and joy, they are still grieving the death of their loved one. Even if you never receive a letter, we hope you will take comfort in knowing their loved one’s legacy continues in you.
Will I ever be able to meet the donor family?
Contact between donor family members and recipients and their families has been reported to be a fulfilling experience for all parties. However, before initiating such contact, both the donor family and the recipient should take time to explore their feelings regarding direct contact.
LifeShare will only allow direct, unedited communication between the donor family and recipient following an initial letter where both parties express a desire.
Share your story.
The gift of organ and tissue donation can change someone’s life and rewrite their story. Every story has the potential to save a life. Will you share yours?
Every story shared on LifeShare’s website, social media and traditional media helps us make a difference by encouraging individuals to register as organ and tissue donors. Your experience is unique and powerful and can inspire people to say “yes” to organ and tissue donation.
We work tirelessly to give more than 100,000 waiting for a lifesaving transplant a second chance at life.