Saying “Thank You!” these two words seem so insufficient for the gift of life you have given to me. This simple fact made it so hard for me to write this letter to you before today however I knew that I simply must write something. You deserve so much more than just words, and between each new breath that I take, I will attempt to convey with words what this has all meant to me.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with a genetic illness that would gradually destroy my lungs and possibly my liver. My only symptoms at that early stage was shortness of breath and so my mind struggled with the idea that this would progressively get worse and would never be cured. I was a physically active person who took care of my health, and in fact I had never even owned a car in my life as I have always enjoyed walking or taking public transit to get where I need to be. I continued on with my life and sure enough as the diagnosis indicated years earlier, my health deteriorated to the point where I could no longer breath on my own. My quality of life came to a point where I could barely walk from our house to the family car in the driveway. For several years, I struggled with Oxygen bottles and medications that would help bring me temporary comfort but each task including simple ones was a struggle for breath. The doctors in the city where I was living told me transplantation was not a good option for me. Logistically the area just didn't see many transplants and of the ones they did see, success seemed low. Then, with the help of my family I found myself living in an entirely new place. This place was within reach of a network of hospitals that deal with many transplants every year and has a very high rate of success. My new doctors began to tell a different story. They began to give me hope through the possibility of transplant.
With all the pieces of the puzzle in place for me to receive the gift of life, there only remained one very special and single most important component. A caring person and family to make a crucial decision at a time when their loss is so great. Your decision to do this has meant so much to me, and while I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss, mere words from a stranger, but heartfelt. My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous donation. Forever more, our families merge in a special way. Your loss, giving hope to my family, the gift for me almost inconceivable but I assure you well received. The only thing I knew about my donor family is that they were kind, caring, compassionate and very generous. For me now, this new gift means my quality of life has been restored and I can now hug, and be hugged by my family and friends.
I feel that each new day, each new breath for me holds endless possibilities. The horizons that surround me are no longer boundaries but new destinations. I am excited by what I can do now and will do everything in my power to Honor your precious gift to me. I want you to know, not a day, hour or minute goes by when I don't think of you and your loved one. Each breath reminds me that life is so precious and I will cherish your gift for the rest of my life. I only hope that when you read this you found some comfort in knowing that you have helped so many others in their time of need.
"Thank You!", a grateful recipient.
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