Thanks 2 You Program Celebrates 5 Years

Thanks 2 You Program Celebrates 5 Years

How do you tell someone how much it means to receive a life-enhancing tissue donation? Not only is it difficult to put those feelings into words, but it is also a challenge to get your message to the right person.

The LifeNet Health Thanks 2 You program, which recently celebrated its five-year anniversary, was conceived to resolve these challenges. LifeNet Health recognized that recipients wanted to express their gratitude, and donor families had a desire to communicate with the recipients of their loved one's gifts.

"LifeNet Health receives countless letters of thanks that contain very moving sentiments," says Kristine Laraway, administrative assistant. "But privacy regulations prevent us from forwarding the letters, so the Thanks 2 You program provides the structure to connect the recipients with the donor families properly."

A collaboration of many departments led to the creation of the Thanks 2 You program. Through the program, every tissue graft distributed by LifeNet Health contains an insert card that is given to the recipient after surgery along with encouragement to write a letter of thanks. The letter may be sent either by regular mail or via email, and LifeNet Health tracks the recipient's contact information and forwards the letters to the correct donor family.

The first grafts with the Thanks 2 You cards were distributed in July 2006. That month, two letters were received. Since that time, more than 7,000 letters have been received and forwarded to donor families across the country. These letters reinforce the importance of tissue donation, and confirm to the donor families that they made the right decision to donate.

Dear Donor Family,

I am writing to let you know how thankful I am to you and your loved one for your compassionate gift of tissue donation. I am very sorry for your loss, but please know that your decision to help others has made a huge impact on my life and my family's.

In my case, my doctor was able to use the donated tendon in place of a severely damaged ligament to repair my right knee. Hopefully, with some rehabilitation and hard work, I will once again be able to walk normally and run and play with my children.

Several years ago, I made the choice to be a donor. When I initially signed up, I never thought that I would in turn be on the receiving end. I have explained to my kids how my surgery was predicated on the kindness of a stranger who asked themselves the same question and answered, "Yes."

Thank you,
A grateful recipient