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- NHL star Rasmus Dahlin’s fiancée suffered major heart failure while on vacation in France.
- Carolina Matovac received repeated CPR over extended periods, which saved her life.
- She underwent a heart transplant and is recovering well in Sweden.
- The couple highlights the importance of CPR training and organ donation.
- Dahlin expresses deep gratitude to the medical teams, NHL community, and supporters.
Hockey star Rasmus Dahlin recently opened up about a terrifying health crisis his fiancée faced while they were on holiday in France this summer. At just 25, Carolina Matovac experienced severe heart failure, which led to her undergoing an emergency heart transplant. The captain of the Buffalo Sabres detailed the ordeal in a heartfelt letter to supporters, acknowledging the terrifying situation and expressing appreciation for the excellent medical care that helped save Matovac’s life. Here’s an in-depth look into the harrowing event, her recovery process, and the lessons shared by Dahlin.
NHL Star Rasmus Dahlin Shares Fiancée’s Heart Failure on Vacation in France
While enjoying a seemingly perfect vacation in France earlier this summer, Carolina Matovac began to feel ill over several days. What appeared to be a minor health issue quickly turned into a dire emergency when she developed significant heart failure. Dahlin revealed that Matovac needed CPR several times—lasting up to two hours at a time—to keep her alive during critical moments, demonstrating just how serious her condition was.
The Buffalo Sabres captain expressed how devastating the outcome might have been without the essential CPR. Reflecting on the alarming experience, he highlighted the intense emotional and physical strain it placed on both of them. Matovac was swiftly moved to a French hospital, where she spent weeks on life support, stabilized only through expert medical attention and ongoing interventions.
Carolina Matovac Underwent Life-Saving Heart Transplant in France
Following the extended period on life support, Matovac was placed on the heart transplant list. Thanks to the remarkable commitment and expertise of several medical teams across hospitals in France and later in Sweden, she received a new heart. Dahlin’s letter speaks profoundly about the “incredible commitment, expertise, care, and sensitivity” the healthcare professionals demonstrated, which was instrumental in her survival and ongoing recovery.
This rare and complex procedure, especially under such urgent circumstances while abroad, highlights not only the advances of modern medicine but also the lifesaving generosity of organ donors—a cause both Dahlin and Matovac urge the public to support.
Star’s Open Letter: Emphasizing Importance of CPR, Organ Donation, and Support
In sharing their story, Dahlin and Matovac aim to raise awareness about critical health interventions such as CPR and the value of organ donation. Dahlin emphasized the importance of CPR training, which, in their case, was pivotal for survival. He also conveyed immense gratitude toward organ donors who gave Matovac a second chance at life.
The Sabres captain and his fiancée expressed thanks to the NHL, NHL Players’ Association, and the Pegula family (owners of the Buffalo Sabres) for their support during this trying period. Their openness in recounting this deeply personal ordeal serves to inspire others to appreciate life, health, and the crucial role of medical readiness.
Carolina Matovac’s Recovery Journey Continues in Sweden
Following her transplant and stabilization in France, Matovac has been undergoing rehabilitation in Sweden, the couple’s native country. Dahlin cited her remarkable determination, positivity, and resilience throughout this challenging journey. While Dahlin has returned to Buffalo for training camp as the Sabres captain, Matovac is focused on her recovery and rehabilitation, with hopes of rejoining him once cleared by medical professionals.
Dahlin acknowledged this as the most difficult chapter of their lives but also a period of profound learning and gratitude. There is optimism about Matovac’s full recovery, which she is steadily progressing toward under close medical supervision.
“Without her receiving lifesaving CPR, the result would have been unimaginable. It is hard to even think about the worst-case scenario,” Dahlin wrote, showing the gravity of the situation.
He added, “This has undoubtedly been the most challenging chapter of our lives, however it is something that we have learned so much from.”
On Carolina’s strength, he shared, “She has demonstrated an incredible determination, spirit, positivity, and resilience that I am in awe of.”
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