Dear Donor Family,
I found this letter to be difficult to write. Not because I’m not thankful but because I wanted to find the right words to express my deepest sympathies to a family that lost a loved one, just knowing a part of them still lives in me.
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Renee, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2006. SLE is a complicated and unpredictable disease, that can lead to organ damage. That is the reason I went into renal failure in 2014.
I would like the family to know how very grateful and thankful I am for the life you share with me. Generous, giving and compassionate are just a few of the words, I can use to describe your good will toward someone in need. It takes an incredible person to share this act of love. Each day I am thankful and I cherish my new life because of your thoughtfulness. Thank you for the gift that wasn’t found under a tree, thank you for the gift that you share with me.
Sincerely,
Renee
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Dear Family,
I first want to say thank you for the unselfish gift you’ve given me. There are no words that can truly express how I feel about you, nor the life of the family member I’m carrying. I still can’t believe it. I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2010. I continued being myself until my nephrologist sat me down, looked me in my eyes and said, “Sarah it’s time.”
When I was placed on the list in September 2017, I never imagined having a transplant in December. Talk about being BLESSED! I am…especially having the opportunity to go through this process with Miss Renee. I am a true receiver of God’s blessings, mercy and grace, and your gift of life. I can guarantee you this, your family member is being taken care of. We had a bit of a rocky start but we are getting stronger every day! We had to get used to one another.
We don’t know each other but that doesn’t negate the fact that we are joined to one another for life.
Blessings and much LOVE,
Sarah
