Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for... my wonderful loving family and friends, my new heart, my beautiful life and so much more. Tuesday was my 6 month heartiversary! I am thankful to my selfless heart donor who chose to be an organ donor and provided me the gift of life. I think about his/her family and how difficult Thanksgiving must have been without their family member and I cry for them. I wish that they could know that his/her heart lives on and that I am so grateful for this amazing gift. I do plan to write a letter to them expressing my sincere gratitude and I'm hoping that someday I will get the chance to thank them in person, if it is not too painful for them.

The letter does not go directly to the family. It is mailed to the New England Organ Bank (NEOB) and they review the note. The donor family is notified that a correspondence has arrived for them. If they are ready to read the letter it will be forwarded to them. If the family would like to contact me the transplant coordinator will reach out to me. My understanding is that some families are open to communicating and others prefer their privacy which is completely understandable. I wasn't always sure that I would send a message but now I recognize that I want to. I anticipate that I will think of my donors family often during the holidays. I just know it won't be easy for them. I struggle with the timing of my letter but I feel that it is best to wait until after the holidays. I will probably postpone until it's been a year or so since the 1st year is the most vulnerable and high risk for complications. I would hate to reach out and then have something happen to me. How horrific would that be? I continue to push forward in my recovery and I appreciate every day that I am here spending time and making memories with family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

Each 💔 beat Matters

KellyAnn