Guide to Letter Writing
A meaningful way to connect with the
recipients of your loved one’s gifts.
Many donor families choose to write to transplant recipients as part of their healing journey.
A letter can offer comfort, hope, and connection — and remind recipients of the extraordinary
impact of your loved one’s legacy. The information below will guide you through when and how
to write, what to say, and how correspondence is handled to protect privacy for both families.
Can I initiate the letter-writing process?
Yes, if your loved one was an organ donor or a cornea donor, you may write a letter to the recipient even if you haven’t heard from them first.
- Letters for cornea recipients will be forwarded to the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank, which then sends them directly to the recipients.
- Due to the complexities of tissue transplantation (bone, soft tissue, skin), SLL is unable to forward correspondence to tissue recipients. In some cases, however, a tissue recipient may write to a donor family first, and you may choose to respond.
If you are unsure whether you can write to a particular recipient, our Aftercare Team can guide you.
Beth Cameron – Aftercare Manager: (501) 907-9138, bcameron@sll.org
Stephanie LaFleur – Aftercare Coordinator: (501)907-9125, slafleur@sll.org
How do I write a recipient?
What should I say?
Writing a letter can feel emotional and overwhelming. Below are gentle suggestions
for what you may want to include.
What to Include (Body of the Letter)
You may choose to share:
- Something about your loved one (first names only)
- The state where you live (do not include your city)
- Your job or occupation
- Your family situation — marital status, children, grandchildren (first names only)
- Any details that celebrate your loved one’s personality, passions, or impact
Please Avoid:
- Your address, phone number, email, or identifying personal details
- The name of the hospital or transplant center involved in your loved one’s care
- Content that may inadvertently identify you or your loved one
Because SLL serves families of many faiths, please be mindful of religious
references so your message is inclusive and sensitive.
Closing Your Card or Letter
When signing your letter:
- Use your first name only
- Do not reveal your address, city, or phone number
- Do not mention the name of the hospital or city where your loved one died
How to Mail Your Card or Letter
Please follow these steps to protect your privacy:
- Place your letter in an unsealed, unaddressed envelope
- Place that envelope inside a separate mailing envelope
- Include a separate sheet of paper with:
- Your full name
- Your mailing address
- Your phone number
- Your loved one’s full name
- Date of donation
Mail Correspondence To:
Southern Legacy of Life
Attn: Aftercare / Donor Family Quilt
1300 Wilson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205
Our team will review your letter to ensure confidentiality and then forward it to the recipient’s
transplant center. That center will send it to the recipient at their discretion.
Because letters must be processed and forwarded, please allow additional time for delivery and response.
Will the recipient know who I am?
All correspondence is completely anonymous unless both families choose otherwise. Identities remain confidential unless all of the following conditions are met:
- Donor and recipient families have exchanged letters or cards previously
- Both families express the desire for direct communication (letter, email, phone, social media, or in-person)
- Both families sign a Consent and General Release of Information form
Until these steps are completed, SLL will remove any identifying information to protect your privacy.
Will I hear back from transplant recipients?
You may, but not always.
Some recipients reach out right away. Others may feel overwhelmed with emotion and find it difficult to express their gratitude. Some recipients need months or years before they feel ready to write. And some may never feel able to respond, even though they are deeply appreciative.
Please know this: Lack of a response is not a reflection of your loved one’s impact. Every recipient experiences their gratitude differently. If you have questions or would like updates, our Aftercare Team is here to help.