Dear Donor Family,
I cannot express in words how grateful I am for your loved one’s life-saving gift. I have thought of your family daily since I received the phone call that your loved one’s liver was going to provide me another chance at life. I’m deeply sorry for your loss and want to extend my sympathy and condolences during this difficult time.
As someone who is in awe of your generosity, I want to share with you who I am. I’m in my late thirties, currently reside in northern California, and extremely close to my family. I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and underwent a living donor liver transplant from my cousin years ago. Unfortunately, I was rediagnosed a few years later and listed for another liver transplant.
During my nearly three year wait, I wasn’t living; I was merely surviving. My poor quality of life involved frequently being admitted into the hospital, specifically the ICU, for fevers and systemic infections. I couldn’t enjoy my hobbies such as biking, fishing, or hiking. What was most tragic was that I had to take a medical leave from work after graduating from medical school in 2014. I was unable to continue working as an ER resident physician. Fortunately, my anguish concluded with your altruistic decision to give me the miracle of a new liver.
Since the transplant, my life has profoundly changed and will continue to do so. I can return to work and continue my life’s purpose of practicing medicine. For this reason, your loved one is my hero and will go on to be of service to every patient I provide care for throughout my career. Your loved one will be a hero thousands of times over and continue positively changing the lives of others.
It is because of your selfless and compassionate decision that I am able to spend time with my family and return to li ving a full, healthy life. There isn’t a word with enough significance to capture my gratitude and appreciation. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of life.
Wholeheartedly,
M.