Thanking the Donor Family

During your recovery, you may wish to take time to write a short note of thanks to the donor family.  Many donor families have found that receiving a letter from the recipient of their relative's organs is a great comfort.

If you choose t write to the donor family, you need to be aware that guidelines exist that prevent identification of both the donor family and the recipients.

Tis is dome information that is acceptable and that you may choose to put in your letter:

• No names, just signed Transplant Recipient or Recipient

• No addresses or city name

You can tell the donor family about you:

• Age

• Gender

• Immediate or extended family (no names)

• Course of illness and need foe a transplant

• Impact of the transplant on yourself and your family.

The timing of the letter is left very much up to you, but most often letters are sent 2-3 months after your transplant.  Some people find that they need to wait longer before they are ready to write and may write around the anniversary or their transplant.

When your letter or card is ready, forward it to the Transplant Co-ordinator who will forward it to the Donor family.