Rasmus Dahlin, a player for the Buffalo Sabres, has shared details about a medical emergency involving his fiancée, Carolina Matovac. In a letter addressed to the hockey and Buffalo communities, Dahlin described how Matovac suffered major heart failure while they were on vacation in France during the offseason.
Dahlin explained that Carolina became ill over several days before her condition worsened significantly. “Fortunately, she received CPR on multiple occasions, and up to a couple of hours at a time to keep her alive, which ultimately saved her life. Without her receiving lifesaving CPR, the result would have been unimaginable. It is hard to even think about the worst-case scenario,” he wrote.
After receiving initial treatment in France, Matovac was placed on life support for weeks before undergoing a heart transplant. The couple expressed gratitude toward medical professionals who assisted throughout her care and recovery: “Carolina and I would both like to extend our heartfelt thank you to the tremendous nurses, doctors, and rehabilitation staff at the Hospital Centre of Antibes Juan– Les– Pins, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg and the Hogsbo Rehabilitation Center. Without the incredible commitment, expertise, care, and sensitivity of all the people who treated Carolina, we would not be in the position that we are in today, with Carolina recovering well and on the path to a full recovery.”
They also thanked organizations that supported them during this period: “We also want to extend our gratitude to the NHLPA and the NHL for the incredible support and efforts they made for us during this incredibly difficult time. We are so grateful for the commitment of Dr. Scott Delaney of the NHLPA, who went above and beyond to ensure that not only was Carolina receiving the best medical treatment possible but also comforting our families while ensuring we understood what was going on.”
Acknowledgment was given as well to individuals associated with their team: “We are also extremely thankful for the support of Terry and Kim Pegula, along with the entire Pegula family, Kevyn Adams, Lindy Ruff, and the Sabres organization, who did everything possible to support us during this difficult time and showed how much they truly cared for us.” Additional thanks were extended to Craig Oster and Newport Sports.
Matovac continues rehabilitation as she works toward returning home: “While Carolina is still working through her rehab to return to be with me in Buffalo, she has demonstrated an incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience that I am in awe of.”
The letter emphasizes broader issues such as CPR training and organ donation: “We want to spotlight the importance of CPR treatment, CPR training, organ donation, and heart-related issues that impact so many people and families around the world. We want to recognize the tireless and oftentimes thankless efforts of emergency and healthcare professionals everywhere. We cannot say thank you enough to all organ donors…”
Dahlin concluded by requesting privacy as Matovac recovers: “Truly we cannot say thank you enough for continued support and we ask for continued privacy as Carolina continues on her path to a full recovery.”
A note from the Buffalo Sabres highlighted Dahlin’s ongoing involvement in community work through his foundation. More information can be found at https://www.rasmusdahlinfoundation.com/.
