Today, Damar Hamlin's charity, Chasing M's Foundation, has announced the launch of a new scholarship program for Cincinnati youth, honoring the medical team that helped save his life. Damar Hamlin's Cincinnati Heroes Scholarship will support underserved high school and college-bound students who hope to attend Greater Cincinnati area private high schools, trade schools, or Cincinnati area universities.
"I'm humbled by the opportunity to set up a scholarship program to honor this team of professionals - my Cincinnati heroes - who helped save my life on January 2," said Hamlin. "I created this scholarship program to recognize each of them for what they have done for me, while also lifting up kids in underserved communities who are in need of some support as they look to go to a private high school, trade school or on to college. When I look back, the chance I was given to receive a scholarship to go to Central Catholic High School in my hometown of Pittsburgh was something that changed the entire course of my life. Without it, I would not be who I am today, and I'm forever grateful. Today, as I look at honoring these Cincinnati heroes and lifting up young people who are trying to find their way, I'm reminded of the enormous blessing I've been given through my charity and the generosity of people around the world."
The program will award $1,000 scholarships; one in the name of each of 10 individuals who were involved in Damar's life-saving care. Chasing M's Foundation has pledged a total of $10,000 per year in funding over a three-year period to support the scholarship program. Details, criteria, and information for students interested in applying will be available on the charity website at www.chasingmsfoundation.com in the coming weeks. The first round of scholarships will be awarded in 2024.
Scholarships will be named after the following individuals: B. Woods Curry, MD (Airway physician, field response), Betty Tsuei, MD (Surgical ICU), Saad Ahmad, MD (Cardiology), Jason McMullan, MD (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).
ABOUT CHASING M's FOUNDATION
Damar Hamlin's charity is dedicated to the development, health & safety of youth through sports, engagement activities, training & programming. Since experiencing cardiac arrest on January 2, 2023, Hamlin has been dedicated to increasing awareness of the need for CPR training and AED access, advocating for legislation, and launching his Chasing M's CPR Tour to give back to others. Given an unexpected life mission, Hamlin is passionate about creating programs and initiatives to encourage young people to live their dreams and inspire others who face adversity. To learn more, go to: https://www.chasingmsfoundation.com.
