A Message of Gratitude and Hope
To the Hockey and Buffalo Communities,
This offseason brought a deeply traumatic experience for my fiancée, carolina, and our families. While vacationing in France, Carolina unexpectedly suffered major heart failure. Thankfully, she received life-saving CPR – administered for extended periods, sometimes up to two hours – which kept her alive until she could receive medical attention. The thought of what might have been is almost unbearable.
Carolina was hospitalized and spent weeks on life support before receiving a heart transplant while still in France. We are eternally grateful to the astonishing teams at the Hospital Center of Antibes Juan-Les-Pins, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg, and the Hogsbo Rehabilitation Centre. Their commitment, expertise, and compassionate care were instrumental in Carolina’s recovery, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
we also extend our sincere thanks to the NHLPA and the NHL for their unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. Dr. Scott Delaney of the NHLPA went above and beyond, ensuring Carolina received the best possible medical care while providing comfort and clarity to our families.
The Pegula family, Kevyn Adams, Lindy Ruff, and the entire Sabres organization showed immense care and support, doing everything they could to help us navigate this crisis. We are deeply touched by their kindness. We are also grateful for the continued guidance and support of Craig Oster and Newport Sports.
Carolina is now focused on rehabilitation, working tirelessly to return to Buffalo. Her determination, spirit, and positivity throughout this ordeal have been truly inspiring. This has been the most challenging chapter of our lives, but we’ve learned invaluable lessons and are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We feel incredibly lucky.
We share our story to encourage appreciation for our loved ones, our experiences, and the preciousness of each day. We also want to highlight the importance of CPR training, organ donation, and awareness of heart-related issues. We are profoundly thankful to the selfless organ donors who gave Carolina a new lease on life, and we recognize the dedication of emergency and healthcare professionals worldwide.
As Carolina continues her recovery, she will approach rehabilitation with the same fighting spirit she always possesses. The Buffalo and hockey communities, along with our community in Sweden, have embraced us with open arms, and we are confident that support will continue.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your continued kindness. We respectfully request privacy as Carolina continues on her path to full recovery.
Rasmus Dahlin and Carolina Matovac
