Transplant Recipients
The Renewed Gift of Life
Of the thousands of people on the transplant waiting list in Arizona, you have a unique story of hope to share! At Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), we support donor families as they honor their loved ones through the gift of organ and tissue donation.
If you’re a transplant recipient or currently waiting for a lifesaving gift and looking for resources, please see below.
Community Resources & Support
Transplant is an incredibly transformational experience, and we don’t want anyone to go it alone. If you are searching for additional support, please see below for organizations to explore:
- Many transplant centers have local support groups, so you can connect with other people in your shoes.
- Transplant Community Alliance
Volunteer with Us
By sharing the special story that only you can tell, you help put a personal face on the lifesaving and life-healing work of donation and transplantation.
Share your Story
You have the power to share hope! Create a digital page with your story of transplantation on LiveOnAZ.org to share with friends, family and anyone who needs a reminder about the importance of donation.
Arizona Organ Transplant
Centers
DNA collaborates with all five Arizona transplant hospitals to make the most of the lifesaving gift of organ donation. These five hospitals have the combined capacity to perform heart, lung, kidney, pancreas and liver transplants.
For more information about organ transplants and Arizona’s transplant centers, please visit the website of the centers below:
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix: heart, kidney, pancreas and liver
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson: kidney, liver and lung
Mayo Clinic Hospital: heart, lung, kidney, pancreas and liver
Phoenix Children’s Hospital: heart, kidney and liver (pediatric patients only)
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center: lung, kidney and liver
Recipients can also find additional information and resources through the United Network for Organ Sharing at unos.org.
When Writing your Donor’s Family
Give your letter to the organ transplant center where you had your transplant. They’ll send it our way. Then we’ll pass it along to the donor’s family. After receiving a lifesaving gift, it’s natural to be unsure how to put your feelings into words.
This guide is here to help you navigate a meaningful next step: Saying thank you.
DNA will work with your organ transplant center to get communication started.
Why it Matters
Behind every donation is a grieving family.
Maybe the donor was already registered. Or maybe the family made the choice to share life. Either way, it was during one of the most painful moments of their lives.
Yet, they chose to help you—or someone like you—live.
Your Words Make a Difference
A thank you note brings comfort. It reassures donor families that their loved one’s gift mattered.
It creates connection. Many families tell us that hearing from a recipient helps them heal.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Simple, sincere words go a long way.
To say that I am grateful does not cover the gesture that was bestowed upon me and my family.
Kasaundra Johnson
Kidney and pancreas recipient
Not Sure Where
to Start?
Here are some ideas:
- When your life is saved due to someone else’s precious gift, there are no words to express your gratitude. Please know I will always cherish the gift and remember your loved one.
- One person can make a difference. Your loved one did. With sincere appreciation,
- Thank you for the gift of life. Without your family’s generosity in a time of grief, I would not be able to ___________.
- Words cannot express my gratitude for the gracious gift your loved one has given me. My life is forever changed. Thank you.
- Without the precious gift your loved one so thoughtfully gave, I would not be able to ___________. My sincerest thank you.
- I don’t know if my gratitude can help your healing, but I want you to know how your loved one saved my life.
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Understanding Donation/FAQs
