Team effort: (L to R) Dr. Atul Humar, Program Medical Director, MOT, Dr. David Grant, Director, Living Donor Liver Transplant Program & Surgical Director of MOT, Dr. Ian McGilvray, Transplant Surgeon, MOT, and Dr. Eberhard Renner, Director of Liver Transplantation, at a news conference about the successful liver transplant from a living donor for the Ottawa Senators owner. (Photo: UHN)
Eugene Melnyk, the owner of the NHL's Ottawa Senators, is in stable condition after a successful liver transplant from a living liver donor on Tuesday, in a procedure which lasted about eight hours.
The donor, who has requested anonymity, is also doing well.
"We are delighted and relieved that Eugene's post-transplantation recovery is progressing very well," the Melnyk family said in a statement which was read by Dr. Atul Humar, Program Medical Director, Multi-Organ Transplant, at a news conference at Toronto General Hospital on Thursday. "In the past 36 hours, we have already witnessed a dramatic improvement in Eugene's overall condition."
The hockey team received more than 2,000 phone calls from members of the public after the Senators issued a statement about Mr. Melnyk's health last week.
The UHN transplant program received – as of this past weekend – more than 500 health histories from people who indicated that they were willing to be considered as a living liver donor. From that group, the program identified 12 potential candidates and we retain 26 files of individuals who have said that they would be happy to be considered in the future for another person who might need a liver transplant.
"Our living donor liver transplant program, in particular, is the largest such program in North America," Dr. Humar told the news conference. "It's internationally recognized for its excellence.
"We routinely host both medical and surgical teams from all around the world who come here to learn about living donor transplantation."
You can do your part in helping those who need a transplant by signing up to become an organ donor at
beadonor.ca.
Ontario now has online registration which is what is consulted by the teams in hospitals. You need to register there if you want to be a donor.
You also need to talk to your family and friends about your wishes so that they can be honoured should you be in an accident which may make the conversation a necessity.
Below is the full text of the statement issued by the Melnyk family on Thursday.
The Melnyk family has requested privacy at this time and will not be participating in today's media conference.
They have kindly asked us to read a statement on their behalf:
We are delighted and relieved that Eugene's post-transplantation recovery is progressing very well.
In the past 36 hours, we have already witnessed a dramatic improvement in Eugene's overall condition
We wish to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the "miracle workers" who are part of the University Health Network's Multi-Organ Transplant Program: from the transplant surgeons, to the medical directors, to the surgical and medical team including the nurse practitioners, fellows, medical residents and the many, many nurses -- all of whom have worked seamlessly and tirelessly to save Eugene's life. You have had a profoundly positive impact on our family, and for this we are forever grateful.
And to the anonymous donor, you are an incredible person and we truly admire your unselfish act of kindness and courage to be a living liver donor. We are so grateful to you and to your support system of family and close friends who have helped you take this brave journey to save Eugene's life. You remain in our thoughts and prayers as we wish you a speedy and full recovery
In due time, Eugene will want to personally express his thanks to all the wonderful staff that are part of the University Health Network's world-class liver transplant program.
In the interim and on behalf of the Melnyk family, thank you for allowing us to publicly express our heartfelt gratitude to these remarkable people who have touched our lives in a way we will never forget.
Sincerely,
The Melnyk Family
