Michigan has a Gift of Hope (Life? Can't think of the name right now.) program as well, and they are the go-betweens for all correspondence. We only get first names, no locations, and all letters are read and approved by them before they are sent on. It's a good thing - it protects both sides.
I know if I was in their shoes, I would say great yeah my husband/son/brother saved someones life, great and not really feel anything, but if I found out that it was more than just one man, but a young man with a family, I'd be happy for the child. But that could just be the mom in me, too.