Since Jan. 2, hundreds of thousands of people have come online to send their thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin.
During the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game, the 24-year-old went into cardiac arrest after making a tackle.
Following the turn of tragic events, the league released a statement about the game’s postponement.
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
The words “Praying for Hamlin” have been an ongoing trend on social media. However, it appears that fans are showing their support in more ways than one.
According to the GoFundMe for Hamlin’s foundation, Chasing M’s, it has raised over $4.5 million, as of this writing.
Launched in 2020, the online campaign had an initial goal of $2,500 to support its first program, a toy drive. However, the foundation was created to also support back-to-school drives, kids’ camps, and more.
“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation,” the campaign shared in an update. “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,” the post continued. “This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family.”
Hamlin’s mission for Chasing M’s is to be of service to this community.
“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 shared in 2020. “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.”
Currently, Hamlin is still in critical condition after being in the intensive care unit last night.
Both the NFL and his family recently shared statements.
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023
A statement from the family of Damar Hamlin. pic.twitter.com/I0QFQehUc0
— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2023