A heartfelt letter to the organ donor who saved my son

An American mother has written a poignant letter to the organ donor who saved her son. It’s a timely reminder about the importance of blood and organ donations.

Mindy Seay waited months for a heart donor to help her infant son, Lincoln. Baby Lincoln was born with a severe heart defect, known as “heterotaxy”.

Mrs Seay was well aware that a new heart for her son, would mean a devastating loss for another mum. “There’s nothing I want more than for my son to live, but I hate that another child has to pass for that to happen”, Mrs Seay explained.

She took the unusual step of writing a letter for Lincoln’s organ donor, before a new heart had even been found. “I want you to know that I will always have the utmost respect for the gift we will be given”, Mrs Seay’s letter read.

“I will treasure that heart more than I’ve ever treasured any gift. I will care for that gift to the very best of my ability, and will be sure we always give reverence and respect to the child and family from which it came”.

“We may never now you by name, but I will know you deep in my soul”, the letter adds. Since Mrs Seay wrote her powerful letter, little Lincoln has successfully received a heart transplant.

Lincoln has now been moved from intensive care, and no longer needs an oxygen mask to breathe. “I’m so happy and grateful that Lincoln gets to have a chance at life”, Mrs Seay said.

Are you a registered organ donor? Has someone you know been saved by blood or organ donations? Can you imagine how bittersweet Mindy Seay’s experiences must have been?