Recipient Letters to Donor Family

Dear Donor Family

Hello- I wanted to sincerely thank your family and your loved one for the precious gift that changed my life. I know that what I received cannot compare in any way to what you lost, but I thought I would share my story so you know how much it has meant to me. Before my ACL accident, I was a full-time single mother, a runner, and a professional photographer — I ran around constantly — and then my life suddenly stopped. I needed help with everything from taking my children to school, and working, and of course, all exercise stopped.

Since my surgery I have been able to slowly reclaim my life, and every day that I am able to run down by the river, I think of the person that shared their gift with me and imagine that in some way I am running with them.

Thank you again – you have my deepest appreciation…. Grace

Dear Donor Family

I was born with a heart defect. I had my first surgery when I was nine days old! It has been 45 years and 3 more heart surgeries since that first operation. Because of your donation I believe this last surgery will give me the strength and health to complete a long life of service dedicated to caring for others.

Thank you for your gift. Freely you have given to me, so also I will freely give in serving others.

Thank You,

Jon

Colette Brown served patients for 30 years at a local hospital. As an ICU nurse, she worked closely with the staff of donation organizations including United Tissue Resources to educate nurses in order to better support donor families through the process. ‘United Tissue Resources staff walked this path with me and I feel a spotlight was shone on donation because of them,’ said Colette.   Her family’s experience also shaped Colette’s outlook on donation. She describes her father as ‘loving, kind, funny, gentle and could fix anything.’ Through family discussions, Colette’s father let his family know that he wanted to be a donor. When he passed away, her mother didn’t hesitate to consent to donation and honor his wishes. This has given their family pride in knowing he significantly improved someone else’s quality of life. Her mother shares their story as often as she can and even registered as a donor.   Colette advocates for educating the public on donation facts and for individuals to register with Donate Life Texas. She tells others that this act can take the burden of a decision off their family and profoundly affect another’s life.