Ducks’ Holan Goes Home From Hospital

Defenseman Milos Holan of the Mighty Ducks took another step toward recovery Thursday when he was released from the hospital nine weeks after undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat his leukemia.

Although full recovery takes about a year, going home is a significant milestone.

“I just feel like I’m back into life, you know what I mean? Like I’m born again,” said Holan, who was found to have a slow-progressing form of leukemia last September after a routine training camp blood test revealed an abnormally high white blood cell count.

Holan played 16 games for the Ducks while doctors searched for a suitable marrow donor. He left the team Jan. 4, after an anonymous donor was located, and underwent the procedure Feb. 21.

Holan, 25, said that although he was happy to be home, he still doesn’t feel strong. He will be watched closely as he continues his recovery, and will have to take special care to avoid infection.

“I feel very lucky to take this next step,” Holan said. “I would also like to thank [people for] all of the support that has come from my teammates, the Mighty Duck organization and our fans.”