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Writing to Recipients
 

The decision to write to your donor family is a very personal one.

Sometimes, 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.
Whether you decide to write to the recipients is your choice.
Southwest Transplant Alliance supports written correspondence between
transplant recipients and donor families. All correspondence is completely
anonymous and identities are kept confidential. If you would like to write
to the recipients of your loved one's organs, you may send a greeting card
or letter. Her is some information you may choose to include.

Letter Suggestions
Your loved one's first name only
His or her job or occupation
Hobbies or interests
The state (but not city) in which you live
Your family members (please do not include last names)
*since the religion of the recipient is unknown, please consider this if you
are including religious comments.
Closing your letter:
Sign your first name only
Do not include your address, city or phone number
Do not include the name or location of the hospital

Mailing your card or letter:
Send your card or letter to
Southwest Transplant Alliance
3710 Rawlins
#1100 Dallas TX 75219

A STA representative will review it to ensure confidentiality and will then
forward to the transplant coordinator at the transplant hospital. The
transplant center will then send it to the recipient. Please allow for
extra mailing time. Since your letter is mailed to STA first, it may take a
few weeks to reach the recipient.

*Place your card/letter in an unsealed envelope
*Include a separate piece of paper with your name and your loved one's name
and date of donation
*Place these items in another envelope and mail

Will I hear from the recipient?
You may or may not hear from the recipient. Many transplant recipients have
said that they are overwhelmed with emotion and have difficulty expressing
their gratitude in words. Others may take several months or even years
before they feel comfortable writing to their donor family.