Bills' Damar Hamlin Continuing to Embark on Tour to Raise CPR Awareness

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues working to spread CPR awareness after his on-field collapse in January.

CPR helped save the life of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin after his on-field collapse in January. And after his remarkable recovery, he's continuing to help others learn the life-saving technique.

On Saturday, Hamlin and his Chasing M's Foundation kicked off a CPR awareness tour at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. Hamlin handed out automated external defibrillators to 50 youth sports and community organizations, and more than 1,000 people received free CPR training.

“Growing up playing sports, I never really remember ever thinking about where an AED was, or ever thinking about CPR training,” Hamlin said during the event. “I don’t ever remember a coach or a parent ever knowing where an AED was in a gym or stadium, or anywhere, for that matter.

“As we learned from my personal experience, it is very important and life-changing. This program is very important because it gives life-saving care to kids in their own communities and on the field.”

Buffalo is just the first stop on Hamlin's tour. He will also visit New York City, Pittsburgh, where he attended college, and Cincinnati, where he collapsed on the field of play against the Bengals during the first quarter of Monday Night Football on Jan. 2.

Originally, the Chasing M's Foundation was a toy drive for Hamlin to give back to his community. The foundation went viral after Hamlin went into cardiac arrest, with over $9 million in donations since the incident. This tour is the foundation's first initiative towards spreading CPR awareness.

“This is his legacy now,” said Jordon Rooney, Hamlin’s marketing representative. “It helped save his life and he wants to help save as many other lives as possible. It’s not just about awareness. It’s rebranding the messaging so that everyone learns CPR, and everyone knows how to use an AED.”

After his remarkable recovery over the last few months, Hamlin is on the path toward making his miraculous return to the NFL. When he does return to the field, he will carry a strong sense of purpose with him.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter at @JonAlfano_News

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