Now at $6 million, what will happen to all of the money given to Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe?
The level of response, that has been witnessed since the Bills safety collapsed on the field, is the kind of thing that gives you hope in humanity.
As they say, after the rain comes the sun and though the horrible situation that unfolded with Bills safety Damar Hamlin is still ongoing, there is some hope to be found in the enormous showing of love, kindness and generosity that has been shown to the GoFundMe that he started two years ago.
Damar Hamlin’s GoFundMe hits $6 million in donations
Following the harrowing situation that occurred during the “Monday Night Football” clash between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, reports now confirm that the public fundraise started by Damar Hamlin has now hit the $6 million mark. This of course follows on from the $3 million which we previously reported. Of course, it has to be said that both numbers are astonishing, if we consider the idea that Hamlin’s goal was just $2,500 when he started collecting donations for a toy drive in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Indeed, more than 200,000 people have since donated to Hamlin’s cause and it looks as if that number will only continue to grow.
On Tuesday, a member of Hamlin’s camp updated the GoFundMe, with an acknowledgment of the incredible circumstances as well as a sincere thankyou to all donors for their support. The message also indicated that the large amount of funds would not only go towards the initial plan, but “Damar’s community initiatives and his current fight.” You can see the message below:
“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us. If you would like to show your support and contribute to Damar’s community initiatives and his current fight, this is the place to do so. This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family. Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and generous support during this time. Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more.”
Who has contributed to Damar Hamlin’s fund?
Aside from fans and concerned citizens, there have also been a number of sizeable donations from fellow NFL players and colleagues, as well as other professional athletes. Most notably, there was the $3,000, that was under the name of New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton and his wife, Jordan. There was also Patriots owner Robert Kraft with an $18,003 donation, Tom Brady with $10,000, Russell Wilson and Ciara with $10,000 and Matthew Stafford with a further $12,000. From outside of the football fraternity, there was pro wrestler Chris Jericho with two donations of $5,000 each, plus smaller donations from Devin McCourty, Jason McCourty, Andrew Whitworth, Erin Andrews, Brian Hoyer and George Kittle.
What do we know of Damar Hamlin’s condition?
At present Hamlin remains hospitalized in Cincinnati after going into cardiac arrest during the first quarter of the Bill’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old took a hit to the chest in a collision with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and then proceeded to collapse after initially getting to his feet. What followed next will likely stay with those present as well viewers at home, for a long time. Players from both teams could be seen gathering around Hamlin as CPR was administered. The tension, worry and anxiety were clearly visible with some even consoling each other as they watched helplessly. Though the game was temporarily suspended after Hamlin was taken off the field, officials eventually took the decision to indefinitely postpone it. The NFL has since announced that they will not resume the game this week, as well as the fact that there will be no change to the Week 18 schedule.
Just two-years out of college, the 2021 sixth-round pick out of Pittsburgh had recently forced his way into the starting lineup after All-Pro Micah Hyde suffered a season-ending injury. In the 15 games that he’s played - 13 starts - Hamlin has posted 91 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two passes defended and 1.5 sacks. We can only hope there will eventually more to come from this talented and giving young man.