Gift of Life Donor Program in Philadelphia.

April 19, 2005

Dear Ms. Johnson:

I want to extend my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your son, Matthew.  The sudden death of a loved on is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure.  Your strength and courage in thinking of others during this difficult time are a tribute to you and to Matthew's memory.  I would like to share with you some information about the recipients of your son's gifts.

The gift of your son's heart went to a 57-year-old gentleman from Delaware.  He is married with four children and eleven grandchildren.  He was waiting for a heart for about 11 1/2 months.  This gentleman was in the military for over 35 years in an aviation unit, supporting our country.  He and his family wish to express their gratitude for your gift.

Your son's left kidney was given to a 45-year-old woman from Pennsylvania.  Her kidneys had been failing her for close to six years.  During that time, her sickness had made the matching of a kidney extremely difficult, but because of Matt and your family thinking of others, the right kidney did match and she is now on the road to a more meaningful life.  Dialysis no longer consumes up to three days of her life.  She is very grateful.

The recipient of your son's right kidney is a 56-year-old woman from Pennsylvania.  She is married with six children.  He illness with diabetes and kidney failure made it impossible to work.  She has also been on dialysis since March of 2001.  Her family and support group thank you for your generosity.

The gift of your son's lungs went to a 55-year-old gentleman from New Jersey.  He is married with three children.  He loves to ride motorcycles and enjoys animals, especially dogs.  His disease put him in the disabled category until you so willingly gave him a second chance at life.

The recipient of your son's liver is a 32-year-old gentleman from Delaware.  I can tell you his is recovering well and is going home soon.  This man was so sick that had it not been for your gift, he would not be here today.  His family thanks you for this special gift.

Matthew's pancreas was recovered for donation for islet cell transplantation.  This is a procedure where the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas are transplanted into patients with diabetes.  Researchers are experiencing very positive results with this procedure.

Matthew's donation of transplantable tissues may benefit many patients in our area.  Tissue transplants have been a major advancement in medical treatment and these extraordinary gifts restore meaningful quality of life for many.  The donated bone may allow physicians to treat between 50 and 100 patients, many of whom face the functional loss of a limb due to cancer, trauma or other diseases.  In addition, there are many young patients who have suffered sports related injuries that can only be effectively treated with a tissue transplant.  Such transplants may allow them to return to normal, active, fulfilling lives.  The saphenous veins may be used for patients requiring heart bypass surgery or restore blood flow to limbs and has a profound impact on the recipient's life and activities.

The corneas were recovered and may be suitable for transplant.  They may restore the precious gift of sight for two people.

I want to remind you that you are not responsible for hospital costs relating directly to organ donation.  Unfortunately, on rare occasions, hospital billing errors do occur.  If you receive a hospital bill, which mistakenly includes charges relation to donation, please contact our Finance Department and they will help to correct the situation as soon as possible.

I am enclosing a booklet "For Those Who Give and Grieve".  I am also enclosing a brochure that describes our Family Support Services available to you.  One of our bereavement counselors will be contacting you shortly.

On behalf of Gift of Life Donor Program and the transplant recipients, please accept my sincerest gratitude for your generous gift.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me.

Kindest Regards,

John McCumber, RN, BSN

Transplant Coordinator