[Date]
The Honorable [First name] [last name]
Montana House of Representatives OR Montana Senate
[Office Street Address]
PO Box [box number]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Governor’s Gift of Life Award
Dear Senator/Representative [last name],
My name is [your name] and I am the family member of an organ donor. I currently reside in your legislative district and I am writing today regarding organ, eye, and tissue donation, and to let you know how supporting organ donation saves lives.
[2-3 main points why you believe in and support organ donation]
Example: The number of people waiting for organ transplants greatly outnumbers the number of organ donors.
Currently, there are 123,000 people in the United States, 3,000 from the Northwest on the transplant waiting list, and sadly 21 of those people die every day. Less than one percent of all people who die are eligible to donate organs, which makes organ donation such a rare gift. A single donor can save up to eight lives. The generosity of donors and their families is immeasurable, which is why honoring those donors and their families is of vital importance. The Governor’s Gift of Life Award is one way in which those individuals can be remembered and honored.
[If you feel comfortable, share your personal story]
Example: My son was an organ donor and was able to save four lives through his donation. He was always a kindhearted, giving person in life and now continues to give even after he has died. A couple of the organ recipients have written to our family letting us know how they are doing and how my son’s gift has changed their lives.
These letters have given our family hope and a bit of comfort in our time of grief, knowing that our loss is someone’s life.
[Thank the legislator for supporting this cause or tell them why they should support organ donation and the
Governor’s Gift of Life Award]
Example: Thank you for supporting organ, eye, and tissue donation and the Governors’ Gift of Life award honoring our loved ones and their families. Organ donation changes the lives of individuals, families, friends, and communities. Your support of organ donation is an important step in continuing to save lives.
Sincerely,
[your signature]
[print your name]
Street address
City, State, Zip code