LifeCenter Northwest

Some donor families choose to write to transplant recipients and their families, to share information about themselves and their loved one. For some donor families, this sharing helps them in their grieving process. Deciding whether or not to write to transplant recipients is a very personal choice.

LifeCenter Northwest and the transplant programs we work with all support written communication between recipients and donor families—but the choice is ultimately up to the family. All correspondence is anonymous, unless both sides decide to sign consents for disclosure. This usually only happens after some period of anonymous communication.

What should you write to transplant recipients?

Provide general information, and include only the first name of your loved one. Talk about their job or occupation, their hobbies or interests, what kind of people they were, and what your family is like. When writing, you may include the state (not city) in which you live. Also, please remember that the spiritual beliefs of the transplant recipient may be different than yours. Try to keep this in mind if you are including religious comments.

When you finish your letter, sign your first name only. Do not include your address or phone number. Place the letter in an unsealed envelope, and include—in the envelope, but on a separate sheet of paper—your full name, your loved one’s full name, and the date of donation. Mail your letter and the information to LifeCenter Northwest, 11245 SE 6th St, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004

Your card or letter will then be forwarded to the transplant program. The transplant coordinator will then send the card or letter to the recipient. Since your card or letter must be mailed to LifeCenter Northwest first and then forwarded to the transplant program, please allow extra time for your correspondence to reach the transplant recipient.

Will the transplant recipients write back?

You may not receive a response to your card or letter. Many transplant recipients have said they are overwhelmed with emotion and may have difficulty expressing their gratitude in words. Others may take several months or even years before they feel comfortable writing to their donor family. If you say in your letter that you are open to hearing from them, sometimes this helps them feel more comfortable communicating with you.