Writing to Recipients
The decision to reach out to recipients and their families is deeply personal for each donor family. For many, writing a letter can be an important part of the healing journey, a way to connect and share the memory of their loved one.
You are welcome to initiate contact at any time, but please note that waiting too long may make it harder to locate the recipients. Whether you are responding to a card or letter that you've already received, or are ready to make the first contact, please consider the following:
- Share what you feel comfortable with regarding your loved one. This may include their personality, hobbies, achievements, or anything that made them special. Pictures or other meaningful details are also welcomed by recipients who are often eager to learn more about the donor.
- To ensure privacy, please refrain from including identifying details such as last names, street addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or the names of hospitals or physicians. Letters will be screened for confidentiality, and any information that could breach privacy will be redacted. All communication remains confidential and anonymous until both parties agree to share identifying details.
- If your loved one was a tissue donor, please note that recipients of tissue cannot be directly identified unless they initiate contact. If you send a letter, it will be held until the tissue recipient writes first.
Will I hear from the Recipients?
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will receive a response. Many transplant recipients have shared that they are often overwhelmed with emotion and find it hard to express their gratitude in words. Additionally, the recovery process can delay their ability to write. For some, it may take months or even years before they feel ready to reach out to their donor family. Including a note in your letter expressing that you are open to hearing from them may help make them feel more comfortable reaching out when they are ready.
Mailing Your Correspondence:
When sending your letter, please include the following:
- Keep a copy of your letter for your records
- Place your letter in an unsealed, unstamped envelope
Letter Examples
Dearest Friend,
It’s hard to believe that nearly four months have passed since our lives changed forever. Michael will always be my light, my love, my son. For many families who face the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, especially a child, the question "Why?" lingers. For me, I found my answer on May 22, 2019—and that answer is YOU. You gave Michael the chance to make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
While I miss his touch, his laughter, his voice, and his dry sense of humor, I am filled with gratitude and honor that he chose me to be his mom and to guide him on his path to you. Please know that you are sharing in the life of a soul who was full of love and adventure. Michael had such a deep passion for reptiles, especially his ball python, and he equally loved his motorcycle. When he wasn’t riding or exploring the outdoors, you’d likely find him immersed in his favorite video games. One of his simple joys was hot French bread straight from the shelf, paired with Oreos—though not together, of course! I could go on for days sharing the life of Michael, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope you find moments of joy and peace on your journey, taking each breath, step, and smile one day at a time.
With light and love,
Michael’s Mom
Dear recipients,
My name is Charles. I am the husband of Nicole. It is with great pleasure to know that as she passed this world to heaven, she left gifts behind to help others live a better quality of life. Can’t get any better than to give the gift of life or continuance of.
I’m so happy that a part of her beautiful soul will live on in you. You’ll be blessed to know that she is an amazing person inside and out. She’s never done drugs and always ate healthy. She was a motivator, encourager and a model. She has touched thousands of people to help them better their lives with entrepreneurship and personal growth. She has an amazing legacy that will continue to help thousands more to come. I look forward to eventually telling you her story about her life and even showing you videos of how amazingly funny, loving and encouraging she was.
- Charles