Contacting My Donor Family - by Peter Cashman

Pete Cashman received a liver transplant on March 14, 2010 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Here is the story of his meeting with his donor family in his own words:
The donor for my liver transplant in 2010 was a 32 year old woman named Amy Larson.  Amy passed away from a brain aneurism.  Amy was married with two sons, and she was survived by her mother, father, brother and sister. 

Two months after my transplant the transplant coordinator at UW Madison asked if I wanted to write a letter to my donor family. It was difficult but I wrote my letter.   How do you thank someone for this gift of life  when they are going through heartbreak?  Amy’s parents wrote back thanking me for receiving Amy’s liver. She saved me and three others. They told all about her and her family. Told me to cherish every day!  Wow!
The transplant coordinator then asked if we wanted to exchange emails and phone numbers, and  we both agreed.  Around Thanksgiving I received my first call from Barb, Amy’s mom. There were tears, laughter and joy.  Second best call in my life. I call Amy’s parents now at least once a month. 
I have been a season ticket holder for the Chicago Bears since 1980.   The year after my liver transplant I started going back to Bears games. And in 2010 the Bears played the Green Bay Packers in the Championship game and lost.  Knowing Amy’s family was from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, I called and asked if they were Green Bay Packer fans. Of course they were.  When I told Barb that I went to the Bears/Packers Championship game, she remarked  “at least a part of you went home happy”!!  It was amazing that just ten months after Any passed away she was able to see something positive.
I have told this story many times. The  Bears wrote an article about my transplant story on their website, Sporting News magazine did an article in July 2011. Then on Christmas Day  NBC Sports Football Night in America filmed me meeting Amy’s parents for first time on national TV.  The headline for that story was Packer Fan saves Bear Fan.
I am so proud to spread the word about organ donation!! 
For anyone who is struggling with writing your first letter to your donor family, here are a few suggestions.   What to write?  Write from your heart. Tell the about your family. Tell them you’re feeling better than before your transplant.   Tell them how grateful you are for this gift of life. Thank them! Thank them for your gift of life! 
Pete Cashman.