The GoFundMe page for NFL player Damar Hamlin, who is expected to be released from the hospital within the next 48 hours, has raised $8.6m (£7m).
The star player for the Buffalo Bills is currently undergoing additional testing before doctors will release him
According to CNN, Hamlin can be released from Buffalo General Medical Center, where he is being treated, within 48 hours. This is according to Michael Hughes, senior vice president and chief administrative officer at Kaleida Health, which operates the hospital.
They said they would “potentially treat any pathology that may be found, as well as plan for his recovery, discharge, and rehabilitation” for Hamlin.
The Buffalo Bills released a statement saying Hamlin is in “good spirits,” and head coach Sean McDermott said he briefly saw Hamlin on Tuesday.
“[Hamlin’s] just very tired but he seems happy and happy to be back in Buffalo and around a familiar area to him,” Mr McDermott said.
“What a blessing, just incredible progress that he’s made and incredible care that he’s been under, both in Cincinnati and now here. So we’re just very thankful for that. Just thankful that Damar is back and resting in Buffalo here.”
Hamlin was also feeling well enough to post an update yesterday, telling fans that he was “not quite home yet.”
Not home quite just yet🏡🫶🏾. Still doing & passing a bunch of test. Special thank-you to Buffalo General it’s been nothing but love since arrival! Keep me in y’all prayers please! #3strong
— 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐢𝐧 (@HamlinIsland) January 10, 2023
The football player has made remarkable progress, going from a ventilator to written messages to talking to family, doctors, and teammates to breathing on his own.
According to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, he started walking and eating normally over the weekend.
Explained how they intend to spend the $8.6 million
While Hamlin was hospitalized for his cardiac arrest, a GoFundMe page he had set up to help young people through education and sports had already raised $8.6 million of its initial goal of $2,50.
According to rumors, he is helping to raise money for the Cincinnati hospital that cared for him by selling T-shirts with the slogan “Did We Win?” and a picture of his hands forming a heart.
Hamlin established the “The Chasing M’s Foundation” Charitable Fund in partnership with The Giving Back Fund, an organization that assists athletes and celebrities in managing their charitable contributions. Hamlin’s fashion line, called Chasing M’s, is sold on the market.
Donations made on GoFundMe following his passing will be transferred soon, according to representatives from the crowdfunding platform.
Hamlin and his family “are humbled by the tremendous support that has been shown as he recovers,” according to Jordon Rooney, his marketing representative.
“They are incredibly grateful for the continued prayers and outpouring of concern that has been exhibited by people all over the world.”
