How to write to your donor family or recipient.
Corresponding with Your Recipient(s)
As a donor family member, you may find comfort in writing to the recipient(s) of your loved one’s donation. Sharing a bit about your loved one can be deeply meaningful to recipients.
VisionGift facilitates all correspondence between donor families and cornea recipients while ensuring anonymity for both parties. If you wish to write to a recipient, please follow these guidelines recommended by the National Donor Family Council.
Sharing about your loved one
- Use first names only.
- You may share details such as marital status, children, grandchildren, occupation, hobbies, and interests.
- Avoid sharing extensive medical details about your loved one’s passing.
- Keep your language simple and avoid overly personal details in your first letter.
- Be mindful of religious references, as the recipient’s beliefs are unknown.
Closing your card or letter
- Sign with your first name only.
- Do not include your address, city, phone number, or the hospital name.
Mailing your card or letter
- Place your letter in an unsealed envelope (as we will need to review it).
- On a separate sheet, include your name, your loved one’s name, and the donation date.
- Place both in another envelope and mail to:
VisionGift
Attn: Partner Relations
2201 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214-5303
You can also choose to email your letter
- Email your letter as an attachment.
- In the body of your email, please write your loved one’s full name and date of passing.
- Send your letter to: matt@visiongift.org
Please understand that recipients may or may not respond, as they have all faced significant health challenges. While some reply quickly, others may need more time.
Thank you for writing. We know this can be difficult, but recipients deeply appreciate hearing from donor families, and your words can be profoundly meaningful.
Corresponding with Your Donor Family
As a cornea recipient, you may wish to reach out to your donor’s family. Many recipients struggle with how to express gratitude for such a precious gift, but donor families often find comfort in knowing the transplant was successful and has changed a life.
Note: If you are a KeraNatural recipient, please make sure to include your surgeon and/or surgery center name.
VisionGift facilitates all correspondence between donor families and recipients while ensuring anonymity. If you’d like to write, please follow these guidelines recommended by the National Donor Family Council.
Sharing about yourself
- Use first names only.
- Acknowledge the donor family’s loss and express gratitude.
- Share details such as marital status, children, occupation, hobbies, and interests.
- Avoid sharing extensive medical details about your illness.
- Use simple language.
- Describe life before and after your transplant.
- Keep the initial letter respectful and not overly personal.
- Be mindful of religious references, as the donor family’s beliefs are unknown
Closing your card or letter
- Sign with your first name only.
- Do not include your address, city, phone number, surgeon’s name, or transplant date
Mailing your card or letter
- Place your letter in an unsealed envelope (as we will review it).
- On a separate sheet, include your name and the donation date.
- Place place in another envelope, seal it and mail it to:
VisionGift
Attn: Partner Relations
2201 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214-5303
Emailing your letter
- Email your letter as an attachment.
- In the body of your email, please write your full name, and the date of your surgery/surgeries.
- Send your letter to: matt@visiongift.org
Please understand that you may or may not hear from your donor’s family. Keep in mind that donor families have suffered a great loss. While some families may respond immediately, others may find it extremely difficult.
Thank you for taking the time to write a letter to your donor’s family. They may still be dealing with the loss of their loved one, but your letter can provide some comfort. Their selfless decision to donate deserves thanks. Let them know that their loved one will not be forgotten.
