Escribir a las familias donantes
Escribir una carta a la familia donante: dar las gracias
Para muchos, escribir una carta a la familia del donante es una forma útil de lidiar con la amplia gama de emociones que se experimentan después de recibir un trasplante.
Escribir a su Familia Donante
Receiving a transplant is often described as a second chance at life—made possible by the generosity of a donor and their family. Many recipients feel a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to express that appreciation. Writing to your donor family can be a meaningful way to honor that gift.
Why Write?
Donor families often find comfort in hearing how their loved one’s gift has made a difference. Your letter can offer hope, healing, and a powerful reminder that their loved one’s legacy lives on.
At the same time, writing can be meaningful for you as well—helping you reflect on your journey and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
Getting Started
There’s no “right” way to write your letter. Simply speak from the heart. If you’re unsure where to begin, you might consider including:
- A brief introduction (first name only, if required)
- General information about your life (family, hobbies, interests)
- How your transplant has impacted your health and daily life
- What this second chance means to you
- A message of gratitude for the donor and their family
We recommend waiting to share any identifying or direct contact information until you’ve had time to get a sense of your donor’s family and your comfort level with ongoing communication. While Infinite Legacy does not place restrictions on sharing this information, we encourage you to thoughtfully consider the potential outcomes before doing so.
When to Send Your Letter
There is no set timeline. Some recipients write within weeks, while others may take months or even longer. Take the time you need—your message will be meaningful whenever you are ready.
If You Don’t Receive a Response
Not all donor families choose to write back, and that’s okay. Every family grieves differently. Whether or not you receive a reply, your letter is a powerful act of gratitude and connection.
Para enviar su carta:
- Introduzca su tarjeta/carta en un sobre en blanco sin cerrar.
- On a separate piece of paper, write your loved one’s full name, the date of donation, the hospital and your contact information.
- Place the first envelope and the piece of paper in a sealed envelope and mail your letter to:
Infinite Legacy
1730 Twin Springs Road Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21227
OR
Infinite Legacy
3190 Fairview Park Drive Suite 700
Falls Church, VA 22042
To submit your letter online, fill out the form here.
To ensure your card is accurately matched with your donor family, please complete all of your contact information in full. This information is kept confidential and is used only by the Aftercare Team to support and facilitate your correspondence.
Need Support?
Writing to your donor family can bring up a range of emotions. If you’d like support, Infinite Legacy’s Aftercare Team is here to help, or you may find it helpful to connect with a support group. You don’t have to navigate this process alone—please call 443-833-1147 or email at aftercare@infinitelegacy.org.
