Communicating with Transplant Recipients

Many times, donor families choose to write to their loved one's recipients. Most donor families find communicating to be helpful in the healing process.

In this section, we provide you with general guidelines for corresponding with your loved one's recipients. If you decide to write to the transplant recipients, consider sending a hand-written or typed card or letter. We have listed some suggestions for you to consider when writing. If you would like further assistance, please contact our Family Services staff at familyservices@lopa.org or 1-800-521-GIVE.

You may want to tell something about your loved one

• First names may be included
• Your loved one's family (parents, sisters, brothers, marital status, children, grandchildren)
• Your loved one's hobbies or interests
• Talk about your loved one's work or occupation

Closing your card or letter

Please give only your first name. Do not include full name, address, phone number or e-mail address.

When mailing your card or letter be sure to:

• Include a separate piece of paper with your full name and date of donation.
• If you are writing to several recipients, you may want to send a separate letter to each. If you prefer, we will make copies of your letter and forward it to each recipient.

Please mail your card or letter to:

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency
ATTN: Family Services
4441 N. I-10 Service Road
Metairie , LA 70006

Allow extra time:

If you want your card or letter to arrive by a specific date, please allow extra time for it to reach the transplant recipient. It may take a few weeks after you have mailed it for the recipient to receive your correspondence.

Will I hear from the recipients?

You may or may not receive a response from them. Most recipients are delighted to share information about themselves and may respond immediately. Others may find it difficult to respond to your gesture at this time. Some may never be able to write.

Thank you for writing to the recipients. We know that they appreciate hearing from the donor families. We also understand how difficult it may be for you to write to them. We thank you for your thoughtfulness.

For more information, please contact us at familyservices@lopa.org or 1-800-521-GIVE(4483).

Return to the Family Support page