During the previous week, while engaged in a game, Damar Hamlin, the safety for the Buffalo Bills, experienced a sudden halt in cardiac function. Following this event, to everyone’s surprise, a substantial sum of $8.6 million was generously contributed to his charitable campaign aimed at providing toys. Damar Hamlin intends to utilize these funds to empower and assist young individuals through educational and athletic endeavors.
He tweeted on Tuesday that he is still being evaluated in the hospital, but he has returned to Buffalo. Hamlin, who live-tweeted his team’s victory over New England on Sunday, also mentioned that he was treated at a trauma center in Cincinnati. He plans to raise money for the center by selling new T-shirts with the phrase “Did We Win?” Emblazoned on them, and he will also use the proceeds to support his heart-shaped hands.
The 24-year-old has teamed up with the charitable organization “The Chasing M’s Foundation” to manage their philanthropic contributions, assisting celebrities and athletes in supporting the nonprofit through a fund called Fund Back Giving.
According to representatives from GoFundMe, the donations received since Hamlin’s injury on January 2nd will be soon transferred to the new fund on the crowdfunding platform. Hamlin’s clothing brand is called Chasing M’s.
The new fund is currently seeking donations through online platforms and text messaging. In an email, Rooney stated that they intend to maintain communication with contributors over a period of time. He also expressed immense gratitude for the ongoing prayers and overwhelming display of care from individuals worldwide. As per Jordon Rooney, Hamlin and his family are deeply moved by the overwhelming support received during his recovery, as stated by his marketing representative.
The Giving Back Fund stated, “We are collaborating as a group to expedite the transfer as soon as feasible.” With contributions from renowned quarterbacks Tom Brady and Russell Wilson, encompassing all donations, the ultimate sum will be revealed by the organization. The Giving Back Fund is remunerated for gathering the funds as a fiscal sponsor for the contributions. The University of Cincinnati Medical Center did not reply to a request for comment.
Hamlin and his teammates have created a boomerang of solidarity within the football community by showing appreciation, tweeting, honoring players, and donating to fans in support of Hamlin’s injury recovery.
The largest public donation to Hamlin’s GoFundMe came from Gina Addeo, the owner of ADCO Electrical Corp, a New York-based company on Staten Island. Although she wanted to give an interview, Addeo showed her support by repeating her donation five times, totaling $33,333.
Carl Fochler, in a similar manner, decided to donate $25,003 on behalf of the sustainable laundry company Club Laundry Sheets. He saw a link to a video about Hamlin talking about fundraising for kids and logged on to look for news the next morning. He stayed up late waiting for an update on Hamlin’s injury, concerned about his health.
“I immediately realized at that moment it’s something we had to accomplish,” he stated, following a conversation with his business associate.
In order to provide children with optimism, Fochler mentioned that he was born in Buffalo and was adopted when he was only six weeks old. This serves as an additional incentive, alongside his unwavering support for the Bills, to contribute towards Hamlin’s efforts.
“I understand the extent of your fortune or misfortune. Circumstances can alter rapidly,” Fochler expressed.
Anna Isaacson, the Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the NFL, began “reaching out” to ensure that Damar and his family, surrounded by all of us in the community, have the resources to take on this massive project. Even as health remained a priority for Hamlin, donations were rolling in and she watched closely.
Isaacson said that reviewing their policies and practices is part of their responsibility, as the Safety & Health Player team is already examining the injuries suffered by Hamlin.
She stated, “In order to positively influence our society during difficult times and challenging moments, it is our duty as citizens to support our country and give back. As fans, we all have the responsibility to watch our games and support our team.”
He stated that Damar had already comprehended it on his behalf, referring to the experience of witnessing a horrific injury followed by a surge of generosity – a moment filled with a multitude of intertwined emotions. Fochler expresses his hope for the Bills to reach the Super Bowl, a cherished aspiration for him and numerous enthusiasts. When questioned about how he was interpreting it all.
Today, instead of saying “God Using Me In A Different Way,” he expressed his preference to be running out of the tunnel at the beginning of the game alongside his teammates, as indicated by a tweet from Hamlin.
“He has a substantial amount of preparation to undertake and there will be positive energy all around,” Fochler expressed, “Once he awakens and resumes his identity as Damar, and observes over $8 million.”