Have you ever wondered how you could thank the family who made your corneal transplant possible?
The Lions Medical Eye Bank and Research Center of Eastern Virginia, a non-profit transplant agency, works with donor families who have unselfishly given permission for eye donation after the death of a family member.
Oftentimes, donor families find comfort in hearing from the recipients of their loved one’s corneas. A simple card, thank you note, or letter can be uplifting to the family and reassure them that they made a wonderful decision to help others in the midst of their grief.
You may or may not. Some donor families have said that writing about their loved one and their decision to donate helps them in their grieving process. Other donor families, even though they are comfortable with their decision to donate, prefer privacy and choose not to write to the transplant recipients.
Remember, the donor’s family may still be coping with the loss of their loved one and individuals manage grief in different ways. While you may be celebrating the anniversary of receiving your transplant, it is also the anniversary of someone else’s loss.
Please communicate in a sensitive manner.