TORONTO - Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is thanking the public for their support in what he calls the "biggest battle" of his life -- his urgent public appeal for a liver transplant.
Melnyk, 55, who has been battling health issues for months, was admitted to hospital three weeks ago due to the onset of liver-related complications. His condition is considered critical.
Melnyk released a statement on Monday saying his health became more critical during the past few weeks and that his friends and family convinced him to go public after numerous potential live liver donors were not a match.
More than 500 people have offered to donate part of their liver to Melnyk, and one of his doctors said Saturday that he could undergo surgery by the end of the week.
The Senators announced on Saturday that more than 12 candidates had been identified and selected to go through the donor screening process. The candidates are all at different stages of that process.
A living donor transplant is Melnyk's best option because he has rare AB blood; a live donor doesn't need to have a matching blood type, whereas an organ from a deceased donor must be a perfect match.
