Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Harrison Phillips picked up the dinner tab for Damar Hamlin’s family and the intensive care unit at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
The NFL world is supporting Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest during their game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. He received CPR on the field at Paycor Stadium and was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Various NFL players have sent their prayers to Hamlin, and even made donations to his charity, The Chasing M’s Foundation. One of Hamlin’s former Bills teammates Harrison Phillips, who is currently a defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings, picked up the dinner tab for his family, the Bills training staff, and all of the doctors and nurses on the ICU floor.
Harrison Phillips picks up dinner tab for Damar Hamlin’s family, ICU unit at UC Medical Center
“I found a sandwich shop and ordered food — chips, drinks and sandwiches, everything I could find, salads, whatever — for all the doctors, nurses on the ICU ER floor, the members of Damar’s family that were there, the training staff of the Bills,” said Phillips, via the Vikings’ official website. “They were able to deliver that for dinner last night,” Phillips said. “I have a buffet of Chipotle stuff [Wednesday night] coming for dinner for all of the doctors and nurses – I think there’s 50 or so. I just wanted to try to do something.
The former Bills defensive lineman says he organized dinner orders on Tuesday after connecting with someone at the hospital.
Phillips notes in the article linked above that he made a donation to Hamlin’s charitable fund, which he set up back in late 2020 when he was in college playing for the University of Pittsburgh. The drive’s initial goal was set for $2,500. As of this writing, the GoFundMe page has raised over $6 million.
Here is an updated statement on the toy drive’s GoFundMe page:
“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. 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.
“As representatives of Damar, the team at Jaster Athletes posted the fundraiser updates and will work with the Hamlin family, The Chasing M’s Foundation, and the GoFundMe team to ensure the safe delivery of funds.
“Damar created The Chasing M’s Foundation to use as a vehicle to bring lasting impact to his community. The foundation supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, kids camps, and more. We’re hopeful about Damar’s future involvement in disbursing the incredibly generous contributions.
“This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family. We appreciate your understanding as we give them the time and space they need to focus on Damar’s health first.
“Again, thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this time.”
The Bills released a statement on Wednesday afternoon, saying that Hamlin “remains in critical condition in the ICU with signs of improvement.” Hamlin is expected to remain under intensive care as doctors monitor him, per the team.
We will continue to keep you updated on Hamlin’s health, which you can keep track of in the article linked below.