CINCINNATI – On January 2, Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest on the field at Paycor Stadium. It was a terrifying moment that could have had a tragic outcome. However, thanks to a team of prepared individuals based in Cincinnati and Buffalo, his life was saved. As a way of expressing gratitude, Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation has announced the Damar Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship. The program aims to honor the 10 individuals who played a crucial role in his care and support underserved high school and college-bound students in the Greater Cincinnati area.
The scholarship program, established by Hamlin, will award scholarships in the names of the 10 professionals who helped save his life. Each scholarship will amount to $1,000, with a three-year funding pledge from the Chasing M’s Foundation. The scholarships will be awarded to students who aspire to attend private high schools, trade schools, or universities in the Cincinnati area. The first round of scholarships is planned to be awarded in 2024.
Damar Hamlin grew up in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, a community that holds a special place in his heart. He was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to attend Central Catholic, a private school in Pittsburgh. From a young age, Hamlin dreamed of reaching the NFL and giving back to his community. He credits his success to the lack of a role model who had achieved what he aspired to do. Now, with the chance to fulfill his dreams, he wants to be that role model for others, showing them the value of giving back and making a positive impact.
This upcoming game against the Bengals will not be Hamlin’s first time back in Cincinnati since his cardiac arrest. Over the summer, he hosted one of his CPR Tour stops in the city. The CPR Tours aimed to educate people on hands-only CPR and provide automated external defibrillators to youth sports teams. Hamlin also expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received since his incident. More than $9 million was donated to a GoFundMe campaign initially set up by Hamlin for a toy drive for a day care co-owned by his mother, Nina.
The scholarships will be named after the professionals who played a vital role in Hamlin’s care. These heroes include B. Woods Curry, M.D. (airway physician, field response), Betty Tsuei, M.D. (surgical ICU), Saad Ahmad, M.D. (cardiology), Jason McMullan, M.D. (emergency response physician, field response), Claire Deglow, RN (SICU), Alyssa Zimmerman, RN (SICU), Val Lake, RN (SICU), Rob Hursong, EMT-P (supervisor, paramedic), John Bush, RRT (field RT), and Gary Richardson, RRT (SICU RT). Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in saving Hamlin’s life.
Although Hamlin is expected to be inactive for the game against the Bengals, his focus remains on the team’s success. As a backup safety for the Buffalo Bills, he emphasizes the importance of getting a win. His college teammate and longtime friend, Bills cornerback Dane Jackson, shared that Hamlin’s main goal is for the team to excel and isn’t dwelling on what happened last year.
Damar Hamlin’s Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship program is a powerful testament to the impact individuals can have on someone’s life. Hamlin’s journey from receiving a scholarship himself to creating scholarships in honor of those who saved him demonstrates the transformative power of gratitude and giving back. As Cincinnati welcomes back the Buffalo Bills, it is not only a football game, but also a reminder of the extraordinary teamwork and dedication that can change lives. The scholarships created through this program will continue to lift underserved students to greater heights and inspire them to make a positive impact on their communities.
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