‘Incredible Blessing’: Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin Opens Scholarship

Published: February 2, 2024

‘Incredible Blessing’: Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin Opens Scholarship

By Movieguide® Contributor

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship is now open to applicants.

“The opportunity I have to give back and inspire others through my charity is an incredible blessing,” Hamlin said of the program, which awards 10 applicants $1,000 a year.

He continued, “Whether kids need help with books, tuition or housing, my focus is on helping them explore what comes next, whether that means college or trade school. It is my hope that this scholarship will honor the ten medical professionals who helped save my life a year ago, while supporting kids on their own journey.”

Last year, Hamlin was hospitalized after collapsing on the field due to cardiac arrest. Movieguide® previously reported:

Injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has been discharged from the hospital!

Earlier this month, Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game and was rushed to the hospital. He was in the ICU for several days.

Now, the football player is home and continuing his recovery.

Hamlin’s physician, Dr. Jamie Nadler, said the hospital is “confident that Damar can be safely discharged to continue his rehabilitation at home and with the Bills.”

Bills coach Sean McDermott shared his support of Hamlin as well as his thoughts on him rejoining the Bills, saying, “His health is first and foremost on our mind as far as this situation. And then when he feels ready, we will welcome him back.”

The people who helped Hamlin during this time — Dr. B. Woods Curry, Dr. Betty Tsuei, Dr. Saad Ahmad, Dr. Jason McMullan, Registered Nurse Claire Deglow, Registered Nurse Alyssa Zimmerman, Registered Nurse Val Lake, EMT-Paramedic Rob Hursong, Registered Respiratory Therapist John Bush and Registered Respiratory Therapist Gary Richardson — are all named on Hamlin’s scholarships.

“Last night I had dinner with my heroes. 10 of the UC Medical Staff that helped save my life,” Hamlin tweeted. “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!”

In response, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s Instagram account wrote, “[Damar Hamlin] continues to surprise and inspire us. We were honored to spend last night with him!”