@mauraacro I asked that question! I was told it's because it aids in the healing process if there is a bond between the two.

That is amazing, thank you!

@mauraacro That is indeed an interesting difference worthy of research. Especially since I really wanted to know the recipient & now I'm doubting whether it truly matters.

In that case does it mean liver transplants are more complicated than say kidney transplants? Surely it should aid in healing for all transplants. Theory: The bond is encouraging because both parties are a support system

I don’t know how it works with a living donor. My transplant was with a deceased donor. I wrote my letter to the family on my 1 year anniversary but have not heard from them. I’m almost at my 2 year mark. I would really like to hear From them.

I am so happy to have the recipient (and her family) in my life but I think for both of us, we got lucky that we have found much in common. On paper, we seem almost opposite. We could have both gone our separate ways after the surgery and that would have been fine with me but we talk often and are planning a vacation together this summer.
In my case, it was a new situation for the Mayo staff that I had a directed donor yet didn't know her. With the popularity of social media, I think (hope) this will become more common. I wasn't actively looking for someone to donate to but saw a post of her daughter's and it was exactly the right time for me.
I think @onecentwalsh can tell you more about how a non directed donor works with getting to meet the recipient. I know there are privacy laws on both ends.

@mauraacro & @jodeej In that case does it mean liver transplants are more complicated than say kidney transplants? Surely it should aid in healing for all transplants. Theory: The bond is encouraging because both parties are a support system. Oops I forgot to @ it

@donnan As a hopeful donor I can definitly say to know or not to know has been a recurring thought. There are pros & cons to each side plus myriads of reasons a donor may not be able to get back to you. One reason not to know that designates in my mind is "What if" my kidney caused unforseen problems or isn't working like expected or someone more personally known to me is now in need but I can't help them because I already gave and the reasons for not wanting to know is infinite. Although my preference is to know. Thanks for sharing.

@mauraacro What a great concept. Until this post I really only thought the transplant was either through a personal channel (family member, close friend, friend of family/ friend) or total stranger. But online & virtual choice will definitely only get more popular. I am truly moved by humanity when I learn of testimonies like yours. It brings to mind one of the philosophies I live by - get to really know the person up close & you will personally find their a lot more like you than you could have ever imagined. After all we are all born from a woman, we all need water, food, everyone has felt grief & relief, the sun shines & rain falls for each of us and the list goes on if only we open our eyes to our commonalities.