May I write?

WRTC often hears donor family members, recipients, or living donors express that they would like to get in touch with the other party.  While the identities of the donors and recipients are confidential, if both parties are independently interested, one of WRTC's donor family advocates will gladly act as the liaison between donor families and recipients.  Options include forwarding correspondence and arranging meetings, if both parties desire.

The decision to communicate is sometimes difficult, however there is no ideal time frame.  Donor families often welcome and appreciate communication, but sometimes they move without a forwarding address or sometimes family members cannot agree on how to respond to a recipient letter. Recipients also often welcome letters describing the person who made the decision to restore them to health with the "gift of life." In both cases, it may be too painful for recipients and/or donor family members to read or write about the death of a loved one.  Every individual on this journey is unique, and their needs must be respected.

The decision to communicate openly is a mutual decision.  WRTC will consider a request for direct, unedited communication between a recipient and his or her donor family when both parties have expressed a desire and then sign a waiver releasing their right to confidentiality.  This was promised at the time of the donation and the transplant.  You will be notified if we are unable to forward your correspondence.

For more information on how to communicate with donor families, recipients, or living donors or with any other questions, call 703/641-0100 and ask to speak to a Donor Family Advocate.

Click here for WRTC's Guide:  Writing to your donor family

Click here for WRTC's Guide:  Writing to your recipients

Click here for WRTC's Guide:  Writing to your living donor