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 Albany / Rochester works with recipients of corneal transplants. We will be happy to facilitate the communication between you and the cornea recipient.
All correspondence is kept anonymous and confidential. When writing, please use simple language.
The following guidelines are provided to help you when composing your correspondence.
Information you may wish to include
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Your loved one's first name only
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Your loved one's interests or hobbies
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Family composition, such as how many children, grandchildren (please do not use names)
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Beliefs of the recipients are not known, please consider if using religious comments
All correspondence is kept anonymous and confidential
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Please do NOT include last names, address, city or state in which you live, phone numbers, photographs or e-mail addresses
Mailing your correspondence
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Place your letter or card in an unmarked and unsealed envelope
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On a separate piece of paper write your full name, your loved one's name and the date of donation
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Place all in a larger envelope and mail to:
Lions Eye Bank at Albany
4 Tower Place, Suite 601
Albany, NY 12203
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 518-489-7606 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.