The Utah Lions Eye Bank works with donor families who have unselfishly given permission for eye donation after the death of a family member. We will be happy to facilitate the communication between you and the donor family.

SOME INFORMATION YOU MAY WANT TO INCLUDE

	Your job or occupation
	Your family situation (spouse, children, grandchildren)
	Your hobbies or interests
	The beliefs of the donor family are unknown. Please consider this before making religious comments
Talk about your transplant experience.
	Use simple language
	Recognize the family and thank them for their gift
What was the wait like for you and your family?
	Explain how the transplant has improved your vision and changed your life.
	Can you do anything now that you couldn't before?
Explain what has happened in your life, and how your renewed vision has made it more meaningful.
	Did you celebrate a birthday?
	Did your son or daughter marry?
	Did you become a parent or grandparent?
	Did you return to school or get a new job?

WILL I HEAR FROM THE FAMILY?
You may or may not. Some donor families have said that writing about their loved one and their decision to donate helps them in their grieving process. Other donor families, even though they are comfortable with their decision to donate, prefer privacy and choose not to write the transplant recipients.

Remember, the donor's family may still be coping with the loss of their loved one and individuals manage grief in different ways. While you may be celebrating the anniversary of receiving your transplant, it is also the anniversary of someone else's loss.

Please communicate in a sensitive manner.

MAILING YOUR LETTER, CARD, OR NOTE
Please address your correspondence to "Donor Family"

In Closing:

	Sign your first name only.
	Do not reveal your address, city, phone number, e-mail address, name of the surgery center or physician.
	On another sheet of paper, please write your name and the date of your transplant so that we will know which donor family to send it to. This will not be sent with your correspondence.