How to Meet the Recipient From My Dad's Organ Donation

Naturally, many families of organ donors are eager to hear how the organ recipient is doing. For some people it can be very therapeutic, knowing that even though a loved one has died, he is helping another to live. Having contact with a recipient and meeting them can be very emotional. Even if you are prepared to do so, keep in mind that not all recipients may be interested in having contact, and that some transplant centers may not even allow it.

Instructions

• 1

  Find out the transplant center your dad used. Contact them and ask if there are any specific policies regarding contact between donors and recipients (or donor families, if the donor is not living). Transplant centers, the actual hospital units that partake in the donation process, have relationships with organ procurement organizations (OPOs), which are private non-profits that help coordinate the donation process. OPOs have certain privacy protocols about contacting donors and recipients. If you know the OPO, you can contact them directly. A list of OPOs is available by state via Organdonor.gov.

• 2

  Wait for contact from the OPO. Many OPOs will put recipients and donors or donor families in contact with one another if both parties are interested. This process usually starts with the recipient. He will write a letter, intended for you, and send it to the OPO or transplant center. The OPO will then send the letter to you. The letter will most likely not have any direct contact information from or about the recipient.

• 3

  Respond to the recipient's letter. You will likely need to send this letter directly back to the OPO, which will then send it to the recipient.

• 4

  Arrange a meeting. After several successful mail interactions with the recipient, through the OPO, you might want to exchange contact information or suggest a meeting with the recipient. Generally, this is something that takes place on your own, without the aid of an OPO.