Writing to Cornea Recipients

The decision to write to your loved one’s cornea recipient is a very personal choice. You may choose to share information about yourself and your loved one with the recipient. Some have found such sharing to be helpful with the greif they are experiencing. It may help to know that recipients consistently express appreciation for the letters they receive and welcome learning about the person who is responsible for their renewed gift of sight. If you decide to write, here are some helpful suggestions:

• Keep identities anonymous and confidential by using only first names.

• Include information that you feel comfortable sharing.  This may include occupation, hobbies and interests, or perhaps special things your loved one enjoyed.

• You may include the state in which you live. Avoid street addresses, city names, phone numbers, or names of hospitals or physicians.

• Please include on a separate sheet of paper your full name, your loved one's full name, and the date of the donation. Please send correspondence to:

 University of Louisville Lions Eye Bank

301 East Muhammad Ali Blvd

                                    Louisville, KY                                                         Attn: Susan Nall, RN, CEBT

Keep in Mind

You may or may not receive a response to your card or letter. Some recipients like to wait for their surgery to heal somewhat before writing. Others feel overwhelmed with emotion and have difficulty expressing their gratitude through written communication. It could take several months or even years before they feel comfortable writing.