Less than 24 hours after Ottawa Senators' owner Eugene Melnyk publicly appealed for a live liver transplant, his medical team in Toronto says it has received calls from more than 1,000 potential donors.
In a statement Friday, the Ottawa Senators said the Donor Transplant Team in Toronto has received numerous applications and calls.
"The organization would like to pass along a big thank you from Mr. Melnyk, his family and the extended Senators family for your heartwarming response," the team said in the statement.
"Mr. Melnyk gives everyone a big thumbs-up for all your support and encouragement."
A dedicated phone line, 613-599-0100, has been set up for those looking into becoming donors. The line will be active until 5 p.m. ET Friday.
The Sens say they have also been receiving many calls from well-wishers and while they appreciate the support, they would rather the hotline be left open for those trying to discuss their donor application.
Anyone interested in being tested to see if they would be a suitable donor is asked to read through and sign a form detailing all the steps and potential risks involved.
Senators President Cyril Leeder revealed at a news conference Thursday that Melnyk has been suffering complications from an undisclosed liver condition since mid-January, and is now in urgent need of a transplant.
Melnyk's illness was kept under wraps from the public, but his absence from the team’s playoff run was noted by fans and the hockey community. Leeder said Melnyk was admitted to hospital three weeks ago, and his condition is now life-threatening.
The unusual plea for help came after Melnyk’s family appealed to friends and extended family for help, but found no suitable donor.
Leeder said the usually private Melnyk had been reluctant to use his high profile to publicly plea for help. But the 55-year-old's condition has become so dire, there were few options left.
Medical ethicist Dr. Kerry Bowman of the University of Toronto says while some have been criticizing Melnyk for using his position to get bumped to the front of the line, he doesn't see it that way.
"This is not a major ethical infraction at all. He is not taking the place of anyone else. He is not knocking anyone out of a queue," Bowman told CTV News Channel Friday.
Bowman said it is true that Melnyk has access to a large platform, but he says the family, friends and co-workers of anyone facing such a serious situation are expected do anything they can to protect the well-being of that person.
And he notes that non-celebrities have been able to get the word out about their need for an organ donor, pointing to double-lung transplant recipient Helene Campbell, and the Wagner twins who recently received new livers.
The Sens' Leeder said Thursday he hoped the plea for a donor for Melnyk would benefit others seeking organ donations.
“I think our concern was for Eugene and his health, but hopefully we will be able to shed some light on organ donation as part of this process," he told reporters.
Live liver donation involves removing a portion of the living donor’s liver and transplanting it into the recipient. The donor's liver, meanwhile, regenerates itself to normal size within 90-120 days.
Any healthy adult between the ages of 18-55 years could be a potential candidate for liver donation. Bowman says donors are given thorough counselling and support to ensure they understand the potential risks and emotional costs.
