As someone who has personally experienced the gift of a heart transplant, I cannot stress enough the importance of donor awareness. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards my unknown donor and their family. I am here today because of their selfless act and generosity, and I am forever grateful.

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When asked what I know about my donor from family and friends I find myself being very protective. While I recognize the sensitivity of my situation and the need to respect the loved ones of my donor and I may have questions about the hero who saved my life, I know that the immediate aftermath of the transplant is not the right time to speak of them with my family and friends.  

 

I do find myself wondering about my donor with such an enormous amount of complex emotions and thoughts that come with receiving a heart transplant it is difficult for me not to. It is a miraculous gift that also comes with unique challenges and struggles. Each of our journeys are different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel about the gift  you have received.  

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Will I reach out to the donors family?  I am allowed to 6 months after heart transplantation to reach out and the donor family is allowed to reach out to me as well.  This is done through my heart transplant coordinator of the heart transplant program I belong to, yours may be different.  Yes I will reach out when the time is right, I have a feeling I will just simply "know" when it is time.