Kathie's Letter

  The following is an open letter written to Chris's organ recipients that serves as her testimonial. 

                                                                       September 12, 2002

Dear Recipient:

I have decided to write to you with hopes of supplying answers to some of your questions, calmness to your concerns and my sincere wishes for a long and healthy future.

In June, my late husband Chris became an organ donor and you the recipient of one of his organs.  Chris in life was a wonderful, caring and loving human being.  He was my husband and my best friend, an involved father of two college-age sons, a devoted son to his mother and a brother, brother-in-law and uncle who will be dearly missed.  Chris had great attributes, one being his ability never to judge another human being, something most of us strive for and never achieve, and the ability to be a great friend.  Chris graduated from high school 30 years ago and yet over 50 of his classmates attended his funeral service – a strong statement as to the man he was.  Chris, a former high school and college athlete, was one of the founders of a local sports association for youth and was very involved in his community.  Chris believed that every member of society had the responsibility to give of his or her own strengths in order to make our world a better place.  In short, your donor was a wonderful human being.  By occupation he was a “Maytag Man.”

As for the decision to become an organ donor – be assured it was Chris’ decision.  His decision was based on experience, (my youngest brother was an organ donor many years ago), knowledge and his strong belief that human life is worth saving.  My family has had many conversations on organ donation, the process associated with donation, the recipient process and the end result for all.  I can still hear Chris telling his sons that through organ donation you can spread your wings and fly after death.

If in the future you have any questions, concerns or just want to contact us, know that we are available and would like to hear from you.  In ending you should know that if Chris were here today he would send you his very sincere wishes for a happy, healthy future full of smiles, laughter, good times and love.

Sincerely,

Kathie