Writing to the Donor’s Family

The decision to write about your experience is a very personal choice. Sometimes donor families and transplant recipients choose to write to one another to share information about themselves or their loved one. For some, this sharing helps the grieving process or provides the opportunity to say thank you for the gift of life.

Will they write back?

You may not receive a response to your card or letter. Many donor families have said they are overwhelmed with emotion at this time in life. They are experiencing heightened emotions through grief that are often very difficult to express through written communication. Some donor family members may take several months or even years before they feel comfortable writing, and some choose not to accept correspondence. Most often, though, they are very grateful to receive a letter of thanks from recipients.

What to include:
  • Your first name only
  • Your occupation
  • The state (not city) in which you live
  • Your family situation (marital status, children, grandchildren, hobbies and interests)
  • How long you waited for a transplant, and what it was like for you and your family
  • How the transplant has improved your health and changed your life
  • Special moments in your life since your transplant, such as birthdays, weddings, vacations, or accomplishments
  • Recognizing the donor family and thanking them for their gift.

As the beliefs of the donor family are unknown, please consider this if you are including religious comments.

Closing your correspondence:
  • Sign you first name only
  • Do not reveal your address, phone number, or email address
Mailing your correspondence:

Place the correspondence in an unsealed envelope. On a separate piece of paper, include your full name and date of transplant. Mail your card or letter to LifeCenter Northwest—or to your transplant center social worker, if your transplant center has requested that you mail it to them first. Our mailing address is 11245 SE 6th St, Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98004.

LifeCenter Northwest, in collaboration with all transplant programs, supports written communication between recipients and donor families. All correspondence is anonymous and identities are kept confidential.

Some donor families and transplant recipients are interested in direct contact, and we are open to facilitating that after some anonymous correspondence has occurred, if both sides are willing to sign an authorization for disclosure of information.

If you need further information about writing to donor families, please contact a member of our Family Services team at 1-877-275-5269.