Donor Families

Vivian F. & Renee J. DONOR MOTHERS

Donor Family Services

Every donor has a story, every family has a journey and every life has a legacy. Grief or the experience of losing a loved one affects every part of our being – physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and behavioral. While adjusting to life without their loved one, many find comfort in knowing that they gave the ultimate gift of life. The Donor Family Services aftercare program is here to listen and support you on this journey. LAORA provides bereavement support and offers various opportunities to honor a loved one’s legacy. LAORA is privileged to touch the lives of so many caring and compassionate families and we are inspired by those whom, in the midst of loss, set the standards for the generosity of mankind. Your donation experience as a donor family member is important to us.

Hospital Bills

LAORA is responsible for the expenses incurred to evaluate, maintain and/or recover your loved one’s gifts. Please do not be concerned about the organ procurement costs on the hospital bill, as these charges are our responsibility. After the donation process, we request a copy of the hospital bill for reimbursement of all charges related to organ donation. We will, of course, provide you with a copy of the costs covered if you request it.

We request bills from the hospitals and other medical providers for organ donation related charges in a timely manner. However, sometimes their respective systems automatically forward the bills to you and/or the patient’s insurance before they submit them to us. In the event that this occurs, please forward the bill to us via email at laorainfo@med.miami.edu, fax (305-243-9969) or mail at Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency – 1951 N.W. 7th Avenue, #220, Miami, FL 33136.

The Tree of Life Monument

LAORA has worked with numerous hospitals to have a Tree of Life monument displayed in a hospital common area. A tree symbolizes life. This is what the gift of organ donation represents to transplant recipients. This tree is a reminder of the selfless gifts that donors and their families have given, and of the miracles that would not have been possible without them. The tree embodies the spirit of generosity. Every name on these leaves is a legacy to those who knew them and the recipients. The tree is a canopy embracing organ donation and transplantation.

Donors who were patients at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Broward Health Medical Center, Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward Health North, Naples Community Hospital, Palms West Hospital, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center or St. Mary’s Medical Center can have their names engraved on a Tree of Life leaf at their corresponding hospital. Once the leaf has been placed on the monument, families are notified.

We continue to work with hospitals throughout South Florida so that more families can honor their loved ones. Whenever a monument is displayed at a new hospital, the families of donors from this hospital will be notified.