Talk About Your Transplant Experience - Thank the Family! - Briefly explain the circumstances that led to the need for your transplant - Tell them how long you waited for a transplant, and how it affected your family - Explain how the transplant has improved your health and changed your life - Do Not reveal the name of the hospital or location where your transplant took place Talk About Yourself - Use your First Name only - Write about your hobbies, interests and what you do for a living - Explain your family situation: marital status, children, grandchildren, your relationship to the Donor, (REMEMBER No Last Names) - You can mention the state you are from…No cities and no hospital names! - Share with your Donor Family what has happened in your life since the transplant; have you celebrated a birthday, had a child marry, become a parent/grandparent, returned to school or work - Describe activities that you can now participate in that were beyond your ability before the transplant Other Considerations - Keep your language simple, your point will come through - You will not know the religious beliefs of the recipient, keep this in mind if you include religious comments - You may send pictures as long as they Do Not contain any identifying information, location, or last name Mailing Your Letter Step #1: - Sign your letter (First Name only) Do Not include your address, city, phone number or e-mail - Place your card or letter in an unsealed envelope Step #2: - Include a separate piece of paper with your Full Name, the Date of your transplant, Transplant Center and the organ you received, on it Step #3: - Place these items in another envelope and mail or give them to your Transplant Coordinator at your Transplant Center - Your Transplant Coordinator will forward your letter to the local Organ Procurement Organization - The Organ Procurement Organization’s Donor Family Services Coordinator will review your letter for confidentiality and forward your letter to the Donor Family Your letter must go through a lot of hands.It could take a few weeks for the letter to reach the Donor Family.Depending on the Family, it may take even longer to receive a reply.
It is the act of writing that aids in the healing process