An Exclusive Letter from Rasmus and Carolina: Insights into the Buffalo Sabres

To the Hockey and Buffalo Communities,

Today, I want to share a deeply personal story about my fiancée, Carolina, and our families. This summer, while we were on vacation in France, Carolina fell seriously ill. What started as mild sickness quickly led to heart failure. Thankfully, she received CPR multiple times. This lifesaving action was crucial—without it, the outcome could have been tragic.

After emergency response, Carolina was rushed to a hospital. She spent weeks on life support and eventually received a heart transplant in France. We are forever grateful to the incredible medical teams at the Hospital Centre of Antibes Juan–Les–Pins, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Marseille, Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg, and Hogsbo Rehabilitation Center. Their care and expertise made all the difference. Today, Carolina is recovering well, thanks to their unwavering commitment.

We also want to thank the NHLPA, NHL, and Dr. Scott Delaney for their extraordinary support during this time. Dr. Delaney not only ensured Carolina got the best treatment but also helped comfort our families and keep us informed.

A special thanks goes to the Pegula family, Kevyn Adams, Lindy Ruff, and the Sabres organization. Their support showed how much they truly care. We also appreciate the guidance from Craig Oster and Newport Sports during this challenging period.

Carolina’s determination and positivity throughout this journey have been inspiring. This experience has been our toughest yet, but it has taught us invaluable lessons. We are grateful for the love and support we’ve had, reminding us how fortunate we are.

We hope to underline the significance of CPR training, organ donation, and heart health. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the U.S., highlighting the critical need for CPR knowledge. The impact of organ donation is profound; many receive a second chance at life. Our story emphasizes that donors save lives, and we are eternally thankful to Carolina’s donor.

As Carolina continues her rehabilitation, I believe she will face every challenge with her usual fighting spirit. The support from the Swedish and Buffalo communities has been overwhelming, and we know it will continue. We appreciate your ongoing support and ask for privacy as Carolina works towards full recovery.

Thank you all for standing by us.

Rasmus Dahlin and Carolina Matovac

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