Connecting with recipients- A donor family decision

 A. There is absolutely no time limit. CDT has worked with families that have waited anywhere from a few months to a few years before making contact with recipients.  We can assist you no matter what your timeline. 

 A.  Occasionally, donor families and recipients who have communicated on a regular basis decide they would like to meet. For families that meet their recipient(s), CDT is available to provide support, such as:

• Help in planning the meeting
• Being present during the meeting to provide support

 A. No. Contact information such as name, address and phone number are kept anonymous unless the donor family and recipient(s) agree to exchange such information. 

 A. It is common for recipients to be the first party to initiate contact. Typically this comes in the form of a short letter or card expressing thanks for the gift of life as well as condolences on the donor's passing. When letters such as these are received by CDT, the Family Services team will forward the correspondence to the donor family.

•  A.    Write information you feel comfortable sharing about you, your loved one 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.

• You may choose to share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with. Information that you provide is at your own discretion, please be aware that CDT does not edit donor or recipient letters for personal information. 

• If a recipients personal information is shared with you, please do not feel an obligation to share your personal information. If you prefer to remain anonymous, CDT will facilitate letter writing for you.

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 A. Yes!  Many families have chosen to include pictures of their loved one or their family in letters; however, we ask that you are comfortable sharing any information that may be identifiable in the photo.

 A. CDT reserves the right to screen correspondence to ensure that no potentially harmful content is shared with a donor family or recipient(s). In the event that CDT identifies a letter with possible harmful content, the correspondence will be returned.

 A.   Some recipients may send a letter or card to you in response to your letter. Others may choose not to write at this time – remember – it is their personal decision. Many recipients have said they feel overwhelmed with emotion and have difficulty expressing their gratitude in writing, and others may need time to recover from their surgery.