21-Year-Old Donor Recipient Pens Heartfelt Letter To 15-Year-Old Donor's Family

August 5, 2016

A 15-year-old boy passed away unexpectedly, but because he was an organ donor, he was able to give someone another chance at a healthy, pain-free life.

His brother recently shared the touching letter written by the man who's life was saved with the donated tissue.

donor recipient writes 

touching letter to donor family

The letter reads:

Dear Donor Family,

I'd like to express my sympathy for the death of your loved one. I also want to thank you for the special gift they donated. Without this donation, I would not be healing from a successful surgery right now, and I wouldn't have another chance at a healthy, pain-free life.

I needed a tissue transplant in order to fully repair my posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which I tore due to a nasty fall off a bike this past September. It seems like such a dumb way to sustain a makor injury, but it's certainly a lesson in how quickly like can change! Now, because I could have surgery with the tissue transplant, I have the opportunity to work toward a full, 100% recovery. Moreover, repairing my PCL lessens long term risks such as early, onset [arthritis].

This is all quite a blessing to me. I'm a 21-year-old finishing up my last semester of college. My favorite hobbies are playing music (saxophone and piano), playing team sports, and getting out in nature. I try to be very active. I've taken many trips to the Boundary Waters, and I’ve run a marathon (and hope to complete another before too long!). As I mentioned before, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to once again use my body's full potential without the gift of your loved one. Thank you for honoring your loved one's wishes at a very difficult time. I am humbled by your generosity and kindness.

Sincerely,

Ben


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