Support for Families

Donors and their families are very special people. They have given an extraordinary gift. At a most difficult time, a decision was made to give other individuals the opportunity for a longer and better quality of life.

Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) offers a Donor Family Support program to donor families, providing the offer of continued support, the opportunity to communicate anonymously with recipients and recognition for their courage, compassion and generosity.

Should a family wish, their relationship with TGLN may continue through opportunities to volunteer or assist in other ways. If you’d like to find out more, you can reach our family services team at: familyservices@giftoflife.on.ca

 


Stories of hope


Every donor family and recipient has a unique story to tell, and a unique experience to share. We invite you to take a moment to read and share their journeys. It may even inspire you to share how donation or transplantation changed your life or that of your family. Your stories are not only inspirational, but also have the power to heal, so please consider contributing. It’s worth it.

Do you have a story you want to share?
Contact us: familyservices@giftoflife.on.ca


Heather and family
Donor Family Quilt Patch 7 Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 6 Story of Hope
Carol Dubeau Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 1 Story of Hope
Dale Shippam Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 2 Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch 3 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 4 Pam Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch 2 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 5 Story of Hope
Mohan Bissoondial Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 4 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 2 liver recip
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 2 Amanda Story of Hope
Andrea Clegg Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 3 Melody Story of Hope
Alex Pangman Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 7 Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 6 Story of Hope
Carol Dubeau Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 1 Story of Hope
Dale Shippam Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 2 Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch 3 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 4 Pam Story of Hope
Donor Mom Quilt Patch 2 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 5 Story of Hope
Mohan Bissoondial Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 4 Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch 2 liver recip
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 2 Amanda Story of Hope
Andrea Clegg Story of Hope
Donor Family Quilt Patch lady 3 Melody Story of Hope
Alex Pangman Story of Hope
<< More
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Thank you note

Thinking of writing
a letter to your loved
one’s recipient?

The decision to write to transplant recipients is a personal one. Sharing information about your loved one may help in the grieving process. The choice to write or not, is yours to make. If you prefer, you may choose to send a card during a special holiday or a ‘thinking of you’ card instead of a letter.

If you decide to write, here are some guidelines to help you.


 

Understanding Grief

As an organ and/or tissue donor family member there is no way to lessen or quicken the grieving process. Recovery from trauma and sadness is possible, but it takes time. You alone will set your own pace.

A non profit organization called Grief Stories provides an online video library for people facing grief and loneliness, and can be used for personal comfort or facilitation of group therapy.

Dr. Wolfelt Background

Dr. Wolfelt is known across North America for his inspirational teaching gifts. He is the Founder and Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition. Dr. Wolfelt presents numerous educational workshops each year for hospices, hospitals, schools, universities, funeral homes, community groups, and a variety of other organizations. He is best known for his model of ‘companioning’ versus ‘treating’ and is committed to helping people mourn well so they can live well and love well.

The first two articles are intended to provide you with a measure of comfort as you journey through your grief.

The Journey Through Grief

The Mourner's Bill of Rights

Grief Recovery

The following includes support information covering: Helping yourself with grief; Helping others with grief; For and about grieving children and teenagers; Help for hospices and other caregivers; Funerals, memorials, cremations and related topics; and Support for funeral directors.

Section 1: Helping Yourself with Grief

Section 2: Helping Others with Grief

Section 3: For and About Grieving Children and Teenagers

Section 4: For Hospices and Other Caregivers

Section 5: Funerals, Memorials, Cremation and Related Topics

Section 6: For Funeral Directors

Helping Children Understand Death

Honestly, Simply, Lovingly...

Just as a tree must be exposed to rain, snow and wind, children must face the unfortunate aspects of life. Each child will react differently to death. However, most children will want to share in the experience.

  • Age 2-4

    This age has little understanding of death. It should be explained in simple, loving terms.

  • Age 5-7

    Children 5-7 feel loss, but loss needs to be explained. Allow them to attend the funeral home or place of service. Support them as they share their thoughts and emotions.

  • Age 8-10

    At this age, children can grasp life’s mysteries. They will remember the experience vividly. Allow them to attend a service and to express their emotions.

  • Age 11-12

    Many children at this age understand death. If they want to help, let them participate in the funeral arrangements. This allows them to resolve their own feelings of loss.







Talking with teenagers about death

Teenagers will often have more intense grief than any other age group and may not show it.

Age 13-16

Teenagers can experience more intense grief than other age groups. They may not show it to other adults but understand death as a fact of life and often want to talk. Encourage their friends to share in their grief and invite them to attend a service or gathering.

Teenagers can also be intensely private and non-communicative which makes it difficult for them to reach out. Watch for indicators of sorrow like changes in sleeping, eating, study, social behaviour or work habits. Provide frequent invitations to talk in terms and words that are familiar to them.

Additional Information

Donor Family Support Material

Ontario Health (Trillium Gift of Life Network) has developed a package of support materials as part of our continuing Family Services and Aftercare Program.

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Understanding Neurologically Determined Death

This booklet is designed to assist in answering the questions that often arise when we are confronted with terms like "neurologically determined death" or "brain death."

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Organ and Tissue Donation. Giving the Gift of Life.

This booklet seeks to provide the information you may need to help you in your understanding about organ and tissue donation and the ways in which you can provide the Gift of Life to those waiting for a transplant.

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Writing to Your Donor Family

This brochure aims at assisting transplant recipients in writing to their donor family. Inside are tips and suggestions on how to start and close your letter. Also, you can find sample phrases if you find yourself unable to find the words to express yourself.

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