Writing to Recipients

Some donor families decide to write to the transplant recipients, having a desire to share information about themselves and their loved ones.

Every donor family is different. Whatever decision is made, the one thing to remember is that it is what is best for you.

It may be months or years before you are able to think about writing a letter. There is no time limit in which you must decide.

The Lions Eye Bank at Rochester will help in facilitating written correspondence between donor families and recipients.

All correspondence is kept anonymous and confidential. When writing, please use simple language.

We've prepared the following guidelines to help you when composing your correspondence.

Information you may wish to include

Your loved one's first name only
Your loved one's interests or hobbies
Family composition, such as how many children, grandchildren (please do not use names)
Beliefs of the recipients are not known, please consider if using religious comments

All correspondence is kept anonymous and confidential

Please do NOT include last names, address, city or state in which you live, phone numbers, photographs or e-mail addresses

Mailing your correspondence

Place your letter or card in an unmarked and unsealed envelope
On a separate piece of paper write your full name, your loved one's name and the date of donation
Place all in a larger envelope and mail to:

Lions Eye Bank at Rochester
155 Corporate Woods, Suite 150

Rochester, NY 14623

Attn: Donor Family Services

Once we receive your correspondence

A Donor Family Services Coordinator will review it to ensure its confidentiality and will remove any information that is identifying. It will then be forwarded to the recipient.

You may or may not hear from the recipient. Sometimes it takes months or even years before a recipient feels comfortable writing.

Some, though very grateful for the donation, may not know how to express their feelings.

It's important to remember that there are some donor families and recipients that prefer to remain private.

Upon occasion and after some time has passed, should both you and the recipient wish to be in direct contact, and agree in writing, it is only then that confidential information can be shared.

You can download these guidelines by clicking on the above brochure cover.

Please call our office at (585) 272-7890 if you need help or have a question. Ask to speak with a Donor Family Services Coordinator. We're here - for you - whenever you need us.