Holan’s Doctor Says, ‘He’s Been an Inspiration to All of Us’

From where Milos Holan sits, the world looks pretty good right now.

And the former Mighty Duck looks pretty good to the world too.

“Milos’ world was expanded because of what he had to confront,” said Dr. Stephen Forman, director of the marrow transplant program at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte. “He has set up a charity program in the Czech Republic and is working to upgrade the care for leukemia patients there. He’s been an inspiration to all of us.”

Holan, who was diagnosed with leukemia Oct. 22, 1995, was in Southern California the last three weeks for a vacation and a checkup that marked the second anniversary of his marrow transplant.

The results were not positive. They were amazing.

“Dr. Forman told me that I can do whatever I want to do, it is my decision,” said Holan, 26, who was packing for his return today to his home in Ostrava, near the border with Poland. “We will see what I can do next.”

Forman added a bit more definition to the picture.

“His recovery has been miraculous, especially if you consider that he had a difficult time during his transplant,” said Forman, whose patient had to battle infections, transplant complications, a stomach disorder, numbness in his limbs and the removal of his gallbladder. “He’s in better shape now then he was before the transplant.”

Holan was a compact defenseman for the Ducks at 5 feet 11, 197 pounds. He’s at 193 pounds now and eager to make his mark in hockey and pay tribute to the fans here who sent prayers and letters of support his way when his NHL career ended Jan. 4, 1996.

“I must pay back all the Mighty Ducks fans for what they have done for me,” Holan said. “I was touched by the fans who wore my number [7] and remembered me. That means a lot to me.”

What he can offer is himself as a player, coach or scout.

“I had a meeting with [Ducks GM Jack] Ferreira and told him I can help scout players all over Europe as well as in the Czech Republic,” said Holan, who was the most valuable player in the Czech Elite League in 1992-93.

He scored 35 goals and 68 points in 53 games, drawing the attention of the Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him in the third round that summer. That kind of talent is hard to file away in the scrapbook and Holan isn’t ready to do that.

But what is a realistic goal to the patient might not be what the doctor had in mind. Not here.

“He has no limitations, which is very unusual,” Forman said. “To make it all the way back is rare in just about every sport except golf. But Milos is the exception.”

The staff at the City of Hope is well aware of Holan’s determination and dedication. He has maintained close ties through letters and his work raising the awareness of what is needed to combat leukemia in his homeland.

They have seen Holan come in as a patient rather than an athlete. As he has grown stronger, they’ve been able to understand what he’s trying to do.

“We’re getting to see a different person, not a victim,” Forman said.

A victim sits around, waiting to see what happens next. Holan doesn’t have the time or the interest to do that.

“Once I get home, I will be going to Prague to sit in a [TV] studio and broadcast Olympic hockey,” said Holan, who was doing broadcasts of the Czech Elite League this season. “After that, I will work out and see if I can get ready to play again.”

He won’t rule out coming back for training camp next September. He’s not ready to give up on the NHL or anything else.

Holan got a gift on Feb. 21, 1995. In 1998, it’s his turn to offer hope.

“I feel 100%,” he said. “Now is a good opportunity to do something for the Ducks and the fans.”