Damar Hamlin Opens Scholarships to Honor Those Who Saved His Life
By Movieguide® Contributor
Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin said thank you to his “heroes,” 10 medical staff members who worked to save his life when he went into cardiac arrest in January, with gifts of scholarships in their names.
“In their honor, Hamlin and his Chasing M’s foundation will award $1,000 scholarships to 10 under-served young people in the Cincinnati area, aiming to help youths who aspire to attend private high schools or local trade schools and universities,” NPR reported. “The program is set to run through the next three years.”
The NFL star wrote on X, “Last night I had dinner with my heroes. 10 of the UC Medical Staff that helped save my life. I surprised them with a scholarship named after each of them that will support youth in Cincy to chase their dreams. Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them!??”
NPR reported UC Health’s response: “Damar continues to surprise and inspire us. We were honored to spend last night with him!”
Scholarships are personal for Hamlin, who received a scholarship to a Catholic Pennsylvania private school as a teen, as reported by WTAE. Per NPR, the opportunity helped him become an NFL success.
Movieguide® previously reported on Hamlin’s passion to help and inspire youth:
“It’s always been important to me to be a role model,” Hamlin said, “[I want to] be that example that they can look to touch, feel [and] talk to.” Hamlin is known in his western Pennsylvania hometown, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, to visit youth football practices, work out with the kids and sign autographs after practice.
In September, Damar and his foundation conducted a football clinic and a back-to-school drive. Damar coached flag football and partnered with the American Heart Association to help kids learn CPR and how to use an AED.
“My parents raised me and always wanted me to stand on being more than an athlete. It takes a village to raise a kid, and I am in a position to be able [to] do my part [in helping that],” the athlete told WKBW.
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