Damar Hamlin’s toy drive for children has reached nearly $6 million in donations after the NFL star’s sudden hospitalization.
On Monday, the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety collapsed suddenly while playing with his team against Cincinnati Bengals.
After he was resuscitated on the field, the footballer was rushed to the hospital where his heart stopped once more, his family revealed.
Hamlin has since remained in the ICU where he is hooked to breathing tubes and sedated pending improvements.
In the wake of the young athlete’s major health scare, his toy drive fundraiser, which he kicked off back in 2020, has reached well over five million dollars in donations.
“As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me,” Hamlin previously wrote in his fundraiser.
“I created The Chasing M’s Foundation as a vehicle that will allow me to deliver that impact, and the first program is the 2020 Community Toy Drive.
“This campaign gives you the opportunity to contribute to our first initiative and positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. 100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.”
Now, the page has also shared an update amid Hamlin’s hospitalization and the sudden surge in donations to his selfless cause.
“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,” the update reads.
“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.”
Our thoughts remain with Damar and his family as his fight continues.