UNOS

United Network
for Organ Sharing

OPTN

Organ Procurement and
Transplantation Network

TRANSPLANT LIVING

Information and Resources
for Transplant Patients

LIFECENTER NW

Living Donor Registry

 

SAMPLE LETTERS

 

Sample letter from recipient to donor family

Dear Donor Family,

I can't begin to express in words my gratitude for your selfless, compassionate gift of your son's liver which saved my life. I am so moved that even in the midst of your intense grief, you thought of saving my life, the life of a complete stranger.

I want you to know that because of your life-saving gift, my friends and family, and their friends and families have become more aware of organ donation and the good that can come out of a tragedy. Your gift has touched so many more people than you know.

I am so truly grateful to your family for giving me a second chance at life. Please know that I am truly making the most of it by taking excellent care of myself and striving to live a meaningful and helpful life.

Sincerely and gratefully yours,

The Recipient

 

Sample letter from donor family to recipients

Dear Family:

It has been a year since we lost our daughter and you received her gift of life. We have thought about you and kept you in our prayers. We would appreciate hearing from you, hopefully that your organ transplant has been successful. We feel a special bond with you; you are a continuation of our daughter's life. We would like to tell you the story of her life and to learn about you and your family if you would care to share with us. We hope you will write back.

Naomi's parents and siblings

 

Sample response letter from donor family to recipients

Thank you for the lovely letter you sent us shortly after you received Naomi's gift of life. Your sincere thankfulness for the gift and your compassion for our loss have comforted us. We have read and reread your letter many times and have shared it with other family members and friends. Although we cry each time we read it, we really appreciate your thoughtfulness towards us. Although we would, of course, rather have that kidney in a strong, healthy Naomi, we do not have that choice. We are so glad that what became useless to her and to us has been so wonderful for you. We hope and pray that now, a year and a half after your transplant, you are happy and healthy.

Please keep in touch!