- 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.
NHL star Rasmus Dahlin is speaking out about his fiancée’s recent health emergency that unfolded while they were on vacation in France this summer. Carolina Matovac, 25, suffered major heart failure during their trip and subsequently underwent a life-saving heart transplant. The Buffalo Sabres captain shared the harrowing details in an open letter to fans, offering insight into the traumatic experience and expressing gratitude for the medical care his fiancée received. Below is a comprehensive overview of the incident, Matovac’s recovery, and the broader implications shared by Dahlin.
NHL Star Rasmus Dahlin Shares Fiancée’s Heart Failure on Vacation in France
During an idyllic vacation early this summer in France, Carolina Matovac began feeling unwell for several days. What initially seemed like a simple illness rapidly escalated into a medical emergency when she experienced major heart failure. Dahlin revealed that Matovac required CPR multiple times—sometimes for up to two hours at a stretch—to keep her alive during critical moments, underscoring the severity of her condition.
The Buffalo Sabres captain acknowledged how unimaginable the outcome could have been without the lifesaving CPR. He reflected on the terrifying nature of the incident, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it took on them both. Matovac was immediately transferred to a hospital in France, where she remained on life support for weeks, stabilized only by the expert care and continuous medical 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.
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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.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Open Letter and Public Comments
“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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