For the first time since suffering cardiac arrest in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, Demar Hamlin expressed his feelings publicly on Saturday.
In a video shared on the Buffalo Bills Twitter account, Hamlin paid tribute to all the people who supported him through the terrible ordeal he has overcome.
Some of the people he wanted to thank were the Bills’ medical staff, the doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Hospital at Buffalo, the “Bills Mafia,” the NFL community and his entire family.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all the love and support I’ve received, and everything that has come my way,” Hamlin retreats.
He also expressed his gratitude to the children who sent him letters and gifts and to all the donors of his GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign. This makes it possible to buy toys for children who go to the daycare center his mother, Nina, runs in Pennsylvania. As of January 28, more than $9 million has been raised.
At the end of this video, the University of Pittsburgh alumnus states that he plans to use the money to help underprivileged children across the United States.
“Evil thinker. Music scholar. Hipster-friendly communicator. Bacon geek. Amateur internet enthusiast. Introvert.”