Donations continue to flow into Damar Hamlin.
The Buffalo Bills Safety’s GoFundMe surpassed $8 million in donations on Friday, just four days after Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field during Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The fundraiser, created through Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation, had an initial goal of $2,500 when it launched in 2020. As of Friday afternoon, more than 230,000 people had donated, including Jim Irsay, Robert Kraft, Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady and Russel Wilson and Ciara, Chris Jericho and more.
Hamlin’s father, Mario, thanked fans in a statement and encouraged them to also donate to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s trauma center, where Hamlin still receives care.
“We are moved by the generous support given to Damar during this difficult time,” Mario said in part. “The support we have received reflects the person Damar is. Damar founded Chasing M’s Foundation to use it as a vehicle to give back to the people who helped him get to where he is today and to build the next generation of youth… To support our first responders, donate Please also contact the University of Cincinnati Trauma Center Medical Center. If you are looking for other avenues of support, we ask that you please purchase lunch for your first responders and trauma centers to support the care Damar has received.”
Damar Hamlin FaceTimed Team Friday
While still in hospital, Hamlin’s condition continued to improve on Friday.
The Bills announced that Hamlin’s breathing tube was removed Thursday night, allowing him to speak to both his family and his doctors. Doctors also said Thursday that he was “neurologically intact,” another positive sign of his “remarkable” recovery.
Hamlin also came to FaceTime the Bills on Friday morning, and he reportedly bowed, made a heart symbol and gave a thumbs-up.
The NFL will honor Hamlin during all Week 18 games this weekend. Players will have the option to wear a bespoke Hamlin pre-match shirt and Bills players will wear a No. 3 shirt patch. All teams have the option of outlining the “3” in each 30-yard line number on their field in Bills colors, as the Colts already did.
The story goes on
All clubs were encouraged to read a public announcement before the national anthem this weekend in a “moment of support and love for Damar”.
The Bills host the New England Patriots on Sunday.
“We just want to love him the next chance we get,” Bills quarterback Josh Allen said of Hamlin. “I don’t know when it will be, but if we see him again soon it will be great.”
Damar Hamlin came to FaceTime Friday with his teammates from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. (Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images)