Damar Hamlin reflects 1 year after his cardiac arrest in Cincinnati

Hamlin needed CPR and had to stay at UC Medical Center. He was released last year on Jan. 9.

It took months until doctors cleared him to play football.

His story and recovery fuel thousands of people to learn CPR.

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Immediately after the event, the state of Ohio and the rest of the country rallied around the Bills’ safety.

News Center 7 reported last year that people did everything they could to help his Chasing M’s Foundation.

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Hamlin posted a statement Tuesday on his foundation’s GoFundMe page to thank donors and detail the work they have been able to do with the millions donated.

“As a donor to my charity, I didn’t want to let the New Year begin without reaching out personally to thank you,” he said. “This past year has been an incredible journey for my family and I, and the growth of my charity - through the generosity of people like you - is a great blessing to me.”

Hamlin said his charity has helped with a back-to-school drive and Thanksgiving turkey drive for his community in addition to his turkey drive.

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His foundation also put a focus on CPR training and education.

“One of the things that has inspired me most is the real-life stories of people who were inspired to be CPR trained because of my experience, then turned around and saved the life of another this year,” he said. “It’s a blessing to be a blessing, and I’m so grateful to have this platform to give back to others, like people have done for me growing up.”

He concluded that he is committed to driving change that will protect kids as we begin a new year.

To read the full statement, visit this website.