- You have the power to save 8 lives through organ donation and heal 125 more through tissue donation.
- Saying “yes” to saving lives takes less than two minutes, and it means the world to countless people.
- After registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please inform your loved ones of your donation decision.
- You have the power to save 8 lives through organ donation and heal 125 more through tissue donation.
- Saying “yes” to saving lives takes less than two minutes, and it means the world to countless people.
- After registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please inform your loved ones of your donation decision.
The decision for donor families and recipients to communicate is a personal one, and our Family Aftercare Coordinators are honored to offer assistance if needed.
WRITING TO TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
Guidelines
- When writing a letter or card, please share what is most comfortable for you. Photographs may be included. We only ask that you do not include identifying information.
- Communication between donor families and recipients can be healing and rewarding. Writing a note may open the door for communication. We encourage you to let the recipient and their family know if you want to hear how they are doing and if you are interested in direct contact.
- If you and your loved one’s recipient(s) agree to direct contact, a Family Aftercare Coordinator will help facilitate this process.
Request Recipient Update
Samples
"It is a wonderful feeling to know that a part of our son lives on and has provided someone else the gift of life."
– Father of your donor"I am thankful that my husband was able to help you, and I pray that you have a long, happy, healthy life."
– Wife of your donor"My daughter was amazing. She loved to learn and help others. She was a great student and took honors classes. She loved to help her dad work on his ’69 cougar. She loved to do her little sister’s hair. She wanted to be an architect and build her own home. We are so thankful that she could help others and live on."
– Mother of your donor"I wish you a good recovery with having received your new heart. I am proud to inform you that my mother had a very generous, loving, caring and compassionate heart."
– Son of your donor
Send a letter or card to your loved one's transplant recipient(s).
Via Online Form
VIA EMAIL
Include your full name and the name and date of death of your loved one, and email our Family Aftercare Coordinators.
Via Mail
Place your letter or card in an unsealed envelope. Include a separate piece of paper with your full name and the name and date of death of your loved one.
LIFE CONNECTION OF OHIO
ATTN: Family Aftercare Coordinator
3661 Briarfield Boulevard
Suite 105
Maumee, OH 43537
Allow extra mailing time.
A Family Aftercare Coordinator will forward your letter or card to your loved one’s recipient’s transplant center or to another organ procurement organization, so your correspondence may take a few weeks to reach the recipient.
Will I hear from my loved one’s recipients?
Just as some donor families prefer privacy and choose not to write, a recipient may not write or respond. Some transplant recipients have shared that the life-saving gift can be overwhelming, and it is difficult for them to express their gratitude in words. Whether you receive communication from your loved one’s recipient(s) or not, please know that his or her gifts of donation are received with hope and gratitude.
Writing To Donor Families
Guidelines
- The decision for donor families and recipients to communicate is a personal one. When writing a letter or card, please share what is most comfortable for you. Photographs may be included. We only ask that you do not include identifying information.
- Communication between donor families and recipients can be healing and rewarding. Writing a note may open the door for communication. We encourage you to let your donor family know how you are doing, how grateful you are for your gift of life, and if you are interested in direct contact.
- If you and your donor family agree to direct contact, a Family Aftercare Coordinator will help facilitate this process.
Sample
Dear Donor Family,
I am the recipient of your loved one’s kidney. I have been married for 12 years and have two children. I look forward to being active with my kids again.
I have tried many times to write a letter to you but never felt that I could find the right words. I have a new life thanks to your wonderful gift. I pray for your family and pray more people would have the kindness you have displayed.
I would love to hear more about my donor and your family, but if not, I respect your privacy.
Your loved one is truly my hero. I will be forever grateful for the selfless act of kindness that has given me a second chance at life.
With gratitude,
Your husband’s kidney recipient
Send a letter or card to your donor family.
Via Online Form
VIA EMAIL
Include your full name, type of organ transplant and date of organ transplant, and email our Family Aftercare Coordinators.
Via Mail
Place your letter or card in an unsealed envelope. Include a separate piece of paper with your full name, type of organ transplant and date of organ transplant.
LIFE CONNECTION OF OHIO
ATTN: Family Aftercare Coordinator
3661 Briarfield Boulevard
Suite 105
Maumee, OH 43537
Allow extra mailing time.
A Family Aftercare Coordinator will forward your letter or card to your donor family.
Will I hear from my donor family?
Just as some recipients prefer privacy and choose not to write, a donor family may not write or respond. Whether you receive communication from your donor family or not, we encourage you to share how grateful you are for your gift of life and renewed health. While some recipients struggle to express their gratitude in words, many donor families have shared how comforted they are reading the words “thank you” from their loved one’s recipients.