Sadly, many peoples’ first connection to donation will happen while still facing the wrenching loss of a loved one.
Losing a loved one is devastating — and oftentimes is more heartbreaking in a traumatic and sudden circumstance. Family members are often not able to process or accept all they are hearing from doctors, which is understandable when they are trying to cope with an unimaginable loss. It is in this distressing and emotional time that families must face decisions about donation, whether they are called upon to make the decision themselves, or the decision was made previously by their loved one who joined the registry.
We hope donor families and friends may find these resources helpful as they cope with the loss of their loved one. Answers to frequently asked questions about donation can also be found using our Ask a Question feature or by contacting us.
Donor Family Support
The organ, eye and tissue recovery agencies involved with your loved one’s donations offer a wide range of resources and programs for grieving donor families. They can also help initiate the process for communicating with transplant recipients.
Other Grief Resources and Support Groups
2-1-1 Texas – an information center providing 24/7/365 referral assistance to crisis intervention, counseling services and other resources anywhere in the state.
The Compassionate Friends – a nonprofit, self-help support organization with local chapters for families who are grieving the death of a child.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Coping with Suicide – helping the survivors of suicide find support and honor loved ones for how they lived, not only how they died.
Austin Center for Grief and Loss – Austin-based non-profit organization focused on grief and trauma with the mission to assist children and adults as they move from loss to life.
The Dougy Center – providing a safe place for children, teens, young adults and their families who are grieving a death to share their experiences through peer support groups, education and training.
Grief and Loss Center of North Texas – no-cost program offering hope, purpose and belonging to those who suffer loss.
Healgrief.org – an online resource offering a virtual location where those in grief can communicate, connect, mourn and heal while celebrating a loved one’s life.
Journey of Hope Grief Support Center – Plano-based program offering no-cost grief support services for children, teens, young adults and their families
MISS Foundation – caring for families experiencing the death of a baby or child at any age from any cause through counseling, advocacy, research, education and support.
National Alliance for Grieving Children, Texas Programs – a resource list of grief support providers throughout Texas for children experiencing grief.
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) – championing dignity and compassion for those harmed by crime and crisis
Share Infant Loss Support – serving those touched by the tragic death of a baby through pregnancy loss, stillbirth or in the first few months of life.
Parents of Murdered Children – providing support and assistance to all survivors of homicide victims while working to create a world free of murder.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – offering compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces.
