The decision to write to a recipient is personal and does not need to be made immediately. You may not be ready to write to the recipients.  It may take months or even years until you feel able to write. There is no time limit for sending a letter.

Anyone in your family may write, but we will always let the immediate next of kin know about the correspondence.

Gift of Life Family Support Services facilitates the delivery of correspondence between donor families and transplant recipients.

You may consider submitting a letter through our website or sending a letter or greeting card through the mail.

Tips for writing:

• It can be helpful for you to share a favorite memory of your loved one
• You can include your loved one’s interests or hobbies
• You may want to write about how your decision to donate has impacted you and your family
• Avoid details about medical information or cause of death
• Use only your first name, as well as the first name of your loved one and other family members
• Do not reveal your home address or other contact information

If you have difficulty writing a letter, you may feel more comfortable sending a card. A “thinking of you” card or a blank card could be a good place to start.

Sending your correspondence

When closing your card or letter, sign your first name only; due to confidentiality policies, identifying information cannot be shared. If this information is included in your letter, it will be edited prior to forwarding to the recipient. If we have questions about the content of your letter, we will contact you.

Complete our online correspondence form and submit your letter electronically. You can also upload up to 5 photographs with your submission.

Mail your letter or card to:

Family Support Services

Gift of Life Donor Program

401 N. 3rd St.

Philadelphia, PA 19123

Please include a separate piece of paper with your full name, your loved one’s name, and their date of donation so we can be sure to identify the correct recipients.

Writing to tissue recipients

When your loved one has donated tissue, the letter writing process is different than organ transplant communications.

Gift of Life works with our tissue and eye bank partners to forward letters from donor families. Tissue banks work hard to ensure as many recipients as possible receive these letters, but may be unable to contact every recipient. One of the Family Support Services counselors can explain the process to you in more detail.

Will I receive a response?

Please know that you may not hear from the recipient. Some transplant recipients welcome corresponding with the donor family. Others are overwhelmed by the situation and find it difficult to express their feelings and gratitude. Certain recipients prefer to remain private.

We do know that recipients appreciate hearing from donor families. We understand how difficult it may be for you to write a letter, and we thank you for your thoughtfulness.

If you have questions or need assistance with writing to recipients, please contact Family Support Services at 800-366-6771.

Not ready to write?

If it has been more than six months since your loved one was a donor, you can request an update on the recipients here.

CLICK HERE

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