Writing Your Donor's Family

Tayler Lee Knowles, DAUGHTER OF CORNEA DONOR, CONNIE TOWLES

"I am truly blessed to have received this second chance and am grateful every day." – Bob Briggs, Liver Recipient

LifeCenter supports written correspondence between recipients and donor families when both parties are open to it.  All correspondence is completely anonymous and identities are kept confidential. The decision to send correspondence is a very personal one and it is your choice. If you would like to write to your donor's family, you may send a greeting card or a letter.

Bob Briggs, Liver Transplant Recipient

Information About Writing:

Provide General Information:

Your first name only.

Your occupation, hobbies or interests.

The state in which you live (not the city).

Your family situation such as marital status, children, or grandchildren. Do not include last names.

Since the religion of your donor and their family is unknown, please consider this if you are including religious comments.

Closing your card or letter:

Sign your first name only.

Do not reveal your address, city, or phone number.

Do not reveal the name of your transplant hospital.

Mailing your card or letter:

When submitting, include these details SEPARATELY:

  • Your full name
  • Date of the your transplant
  • Name of your transplant hospital

Mail your letter to:

LifeCenter Organ Donor Network

ATTN: Family Aftercare

615 Elsinore Pl, Suite 400

Cincinnati, OH 45202

or email: aftercare@lifepassiton.org

For More Information...

LifeCenter’s Family Aftercare Department has created a video that speaks in more detail about the writing process.  We also welcome you to download a printable PowerPoint of the presentation to be used as a resource when writing to your donor’s family.

Click here to download the presentation.

Writing for Recipients Guide

What happens next?

LifeCenter will review your correspondence first to ensure confidentiality and will then begin the process of forwarding it.

Since your correspondence must be mailed to LifeCenter first and then forwarded, please keep in mind it will take extra time for your letter to reach your donor's family.  It may take several weeks after you’ve mailed it for the recipient(s) to receive it.

It is important to understand that you may or may not receive a response. Many donor families have said that they are overwhelmed with emotion and have difficulty expressing their feelings.  Others may take several months or even years before they feel comfortable writing to their loved one's recipients.