Talk About Your Donation Experience - Briefly explain the circumstances that led to your loved one becoming a Donor - Explain why you agreed to Donate - Do Not reveal the name or location where your loved one became a Donor Talk About Your Loved One - Refer to the Donor by their First Name only - Write about your loved ones hobbies and interests - Mention what they did for a living - Explain the Donors 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! Other Considerations - Keep your language simple, your point will come through - If you are writing to more than one recipient, you can write separate letters or use the same letter for all of the recipients - 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 loved ones Name and Date of Donation on it Step #3: - Place these items in another envelope and mail them to the Donor Family Services Coordinator at the Organ Procurement Organization that was responsiblefor your loved ones Donation - The Donor Family Services Coordinator will review your letter for confidentiality - The Donor Family Services Coordinator will forward your letter to the recipients transplant centers - The transplant centers will forward your letter to the recipients Your letter must go through a lot of hands.It could take a few weeks for the letter to reach the recipients.Depending on the recipient, it may take even longer to receive a reply.
It is the act of writing that aids in the healing process