Write to a Transplant Recipient

A Guide for the Family Members of Eye Donors

The decision to write to a transplant recipient is a very personal one. As a family member of a donor, you may or may not decide to write a note to the transplant recipients. It is your personal choice. Some recipients may send a letter or card in response to your letter. Other recipients may choose not to write to you at this time — this is their personal decision. Some transplant recipients' sight may not stabilize for several months. Many others have said they feel overwhelmed with emotion and have difficulty expressing their gratitude in writing.

Download instructions as a PDF

If you decide to write, here are some suggestions:

• Write about the information you feel comfortable sharing about you, your loved one who donated and other family members. This may include occupation, hobbies or interests- perhaps special things your loved one liked to do or information about your family.
• The religion of the recipient is unknown. Please consider this if you choose to include religious references.
• You may include first names of yourself, your loved one and other family members, as well as the state in which you reside.
• Please keep identities anonymous and confidential. Avoid including any last names, street addresses, phone numbers or names of hospitals or physicians. If at some time in the future, both parties agree to exchange this information, the eye bank will facilitate that.
• Sign only your first name.
• If the transplant occurred outside the United States or if the recipient does not speak English, the eye bank will have your letter translated at no charge. Letters from recipients back to you will also be translated to English, if necessary.

After you complete your letter or card:

• Place the card or letter in an unsealed envelope.
• Include a separate sheet of paper with your full name and name and date of death of your loved one.
• Mail both your letter or card and the separate note to:

Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank
Public & Professional Relations
1675 Aurora Court, Mail Stop F751  
Aurora, CO 80045

• You can also email your letter to info@corneas.org. Be sure to include the information about your loved one and the date of death in the body of the email. 

All letters are reviewed to ensure confidentiality before the letter is forwarded to the recipient.

If you have any questions or concerns about this information, please contact the Public & Professional Relations Department at 720-848-3937 or toll-free at 800-444-7479.