NFL player Damar Hamlin set to be released from hospital within 48 hours – and reveals how $8.6m in donations will be spent | US News

NFL player Damar Hamlin is expected to be discharged from hospital within the next 48 hours – and it has been revealed how to spend the $8.6m (£7m) donation on his GoFundMe page .

The 24-year-old’s heart had to restart twice after he suddenly fell to the ground and stopped heart against the Cincinnati Bengals on 2 January.

He was said to remain in “critical condition” last Thursday at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, but was transferred to a Buffalo hospital on Monday.

The recovering Buffalo Bills star is undergoing further tests before doctors believe he is healthy enough to be released.

Michael Hughes, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of Kaleida Health, the company that operates Buffalo General Medical Center where Hamlin is being treated, told CNN he was well enough to leave the facility for a few days. within 48 hours.

Hamlin’s medical team said they will also be “capable of treating any pathology that may be found, as well as planning his recovery, discharge and rehabilitation”.

In a statement, the Buffalo Bulls said Hamlin was in “good spirits” and head coach Sean McDermott said he met him briefly on Tuesday.

“[Hamlin’s] “I just felt really tired but he seemed very happy and happy to be back in Buffalo and around an area that was familiar to him,” Mr. McDermott said.

“What a blessing, just the incredible progress he has made and the incredible care he has received, both in Cincinnati and now here. So we know very much. Thank you for that. Just grateful that Damar is back and resting here in Buffalo.”

Hamlin also felt well enough to post his own update yesterday – telling fans he’s “not quite home yet”.

The soccer star is recovering quickly, switching from a ventilator to communicating via text – then breathing on his own as well as talking to family, doctors and teammates.

According to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, over the weekend, he started walking and eating a normal diet.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up by Hamlin to support young people through education and sports has raised $8.6 million after his cardiac arrest, after its initial goal only $2,500.

He is said to be using some of the proceeds from the sale of new t-shirts that read “Did We Win?” with hands folded into a heart, to raise money for the Cincinnati medical facility that treated him.

Read more Cardiologist on what may be behind Hamlin’s demise

Hamlin has partnered with The Giving Back Fund, a nonprofit that helps athletes and celebrities manage their philanthropy, to organize “The Chasing M’s Foundation”. Chasing M’s is Hamlin’s apparel company.

A GoFundMe representative said the crowdfunding platform will soon be rolling out donations that have come in since his demise.

Hamlin’s marketing representative, Jordon Rooney, said Hamlin and his family were “deeply moved by the immense support that has been shown as he recovers”.

“They are extremely grateful for the continued prayers and concern of people around the world.”