I will always remember standing inside our daughter’s room at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario in February of 2017.
She had just undergone a procedure to correct a congenital neurological condition, an unexpected development that completely rocked our family’s world. Our daughter — who was usually a ball of energy and enthusiasm — was suddenly having trouble eating and doing simple tasks such as walking a few steps down the hallway.
It was a hellscape that no parent should have to endure.
At the depths of my despair, a bright and colourful package was delivered to her hospital room with a handwritten note.
Elissa,
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Eugene Melnyk
Inside the cellophane-wrapped package, there was a collection of Senators merchandise that was perfectly suited for a 12-year-old girl. It was a thoughtful gesture that I was certain was completed by one of Eugene Melnyk’s personal assistants.
But a few days later, I was given an even bigger surprise.
Inside the Canadian Tire Centre, Melnyk made his way across a crowded room and made a beeline for me.
He extended his arm, shook my hand and with his other hand on my shoulder asked me, “How is your daughter doing?”
Melnyk had a sincere look in his eyes. It felt like a conversation that only parents could have with each other.
He told me about his two daughters — Anna and Olivia — and how health and family were the only two things that truly mattered in life. Having just undergone a liver transplant of his own, I felt he was speaking from the heart.
We shared a moment that I felt was genuine.
But within two years of that moment, Melnyk was no longer returning my texts or emails.
