For many donor families, staying connected—whether through updates or the possibility of correspondence—can be a meaningful part of the healing journey. Every experience with grief and remembrance is personal, and there is no single path or timeline that is right for everyone. CORE is here to support you as you navigate what feels right for you.
As a donor family, you may wish to communicate with the recipients of your loved one’s gifts. Writing to a recipient is a deeply personal decision, and one that should only be made when you feel ready. There is no time limit. Some families choose to write weeks or months later, while others may wait years—or decide not to write at all.
If your loved one donated organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, or corneas, you may write to recipients at any time. For tissue donation, the process is different. CORE does not receive direct information about tissue recipients, which means correspondence can only begin if a recipient chooses to write first. Tissue donation can help individuals for up to five years, so it is possible your loved one’s gift may continue to make an impact in the future.
For some families, sharing memories and information about their loved one can be a meaningful part of their grief journey. What you choose to share is entirely up to you. All communication is kept confidential unless both you and the recipient agree to share identifying information.
If you would like to learn more about your loved one’s donation, you may request an update at any time. While the amount of information available can vary, CORE will share what we are able and help guide you through the process with care and compassion.
Requesting an update can offer additional understanding about the lives your loved one impacted, and for some families, it can be a meaningful part of their healing journey.