Writing to the Family of Your Donor - Correspondence Guidelines

It is very thoughtful of you to want to write to the family who made your transplant or your family member’s transplant possible.  Many families say that a card or personal note from the recipient provides them with comfort in. knowing that their loved one’s gift made a difference.  

Below are guidelines to assist you with writing to your donor’s family.

Talk about yourself:

·      Use only your first name.

·      Include the state (not the city) in which you live.

·      Include your age.

·      Include your hobbies, interests, job or occupation (no company name).

·      Include your family situation, such as marital status, children or grandchildren.  (Remember to use only first names).

Talk about your transplant experience:

·       Describe how long you waited for a transplant and what the wait was like for you and your family.  

·      Talk about the activities in which you can now participate because of your transplant.  

·      Explain what has happened in your life since your transplant: e.g., celebrated another birthday or anniversary, got married, became a parent, returned to work or school.

Use Caution:

·      Since the religion of the donor’s family is unknown, please consider this if you are thinking about including religious comments.

·      Avoid “naming” your transplanted organ.

Closing your Card or Letter:

·      Sign your first name only.

·      Do not reveal the name or location of the hospital or your physician.

Mailing your letter:

·      Include a separate piece of paper with your full name, as well as the date and location of your transplant.  (This is for Gift of Hope’s information.)

·      Place the letter and the paper with your information into an envelope and mail it to Gift of Hope:  Attn: Donor Family Services, 425 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL. 60143.

Upon receiving your letter, it will be reviewed by the Gift of Hope to ensure privacy and then forwarded to your donor family.

Will you hear back from your donor family?

You may or may not hear back.  Many families have said that writing about their loved one and discussing their decision to donate gives them comfort.  Other families -  even though they are comfortable with their decision to donate – prefer privacy and choose not to communicate.  

You can find sample letters and information by visiting www.giftofhope.org.