As a cornea recipient you may wish to communicate with your donor's family. Many recipients struggle with the decision to write to their donor family. They just don't know how to say "thank you" for such a precious gift. Donor families do appreciate and often find comfort in knowing the transplant was successful.
The Lions Eye Bank of Oregon encourages and facilitates all correspondence between donor families and cornea recipients. We protect the anonymity of both the donor families and the recipients. If you would like to write a letter to the recipient of your loved ones corneas, please use the following guidelines. These guidelines are recommended by the National Donor Family Council.
Share about yourself
• Include first names only
• Acknowledge the donor family's loss and thank them for their gift
• Share information on your marital status, children, grandchildren
• Tell about your job or occupation, hobbies and interests
• Please avoid giving too much detailed medical information about your illness
• Use simple language
• Talk about what life was like before your transplant
• Explain how the transplant has changed your life
• Do not get too personal in an initial letter
• Since the religion of the recipient 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 the physician
Will you receive a letter back?
You may or may not hear from the donor family. Please remember that all donor families have suffered a great loss. While some families may respond immediately, others may find it extremely difficult.
Thank you for writing
We know that donor families appreciate hearing from recipients. Although they may still be coping with a terrible loss, your letter can provide some comfort. Their selfless decision to donate deserves thanks. Let them know that their loved one will not be forgotten.
Mailing your card of letter
• Place your card or letter in an unsealed envelope
• On a separate piece of paper please write your name, the name of your surgeon and the date of your transplant.
• Place the letter and the paper in another envelope and seal it.
• Mail to:
Outreach Department
Lions Eye Bank of Oregon
1010 NW 22nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
|
 |
|
|
