A life-saving device is officially part of the lineup at Sto-Rox, all thanks to Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation and the NFL. This new automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a huge win for player safety, especially with Pennsylvania’s fresh state law requiring every PIAA school to have one at every single sporting event. It’s a move that hits close to home for everyone, given Hamlin’s own terrifying experience just three years ago.
Why This Hits Different at Sto-Rox
For Sto-Rox, this isn’t just another piece of equipment showing up. Athletic Director Shomari Phelps absolutely lit up when he saw Hamlin’s name attached to the donation. “Oh, I seen him in the NFL, and I lit up. I was like, ‘Wow, that’s cool,’” Phelps said, totally summing up that real fan excitement. While Sto-Rox already had AED access and coach training on lock, Phelps is stoked about the renewed precaution for the new school year. Being proactive instead of reactive is the name of the game when it comes to player safety, and it’s clear they are taking it seriously. The foundation also pushes for legislative action, like Greg Moyer’s Law, which mandates AEDs at PIAA games and practices. That law is named after Moyer, who tragically died from cardiac arrest at a high school basketball game back in 2000. It’s a stark reminder of why this work is so critical.
Bigger Than the Game: A Million-Dollar Impact
This donation to Sto-Rox is part of something way bigger. Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s Foundation has now blown past $1 million worth of AED donations, a massive milestone. They handed out AEDs to 30 Pennsylvania schools during the draft, showing just how committed they are to this mission. Damar’s father, Mario Hamlin, perfectly captured the vibe, calling it “a full-circle moment for my son, you know, he takes great pride into making sure that he’s able to keep the youth safe.” And Damar himself? He’s seeing an impact that goes beyond anything he could have imagined on the field. He shared, “It’s just impact on the world I truly never seen myself being able to make, but something that I always wanted to be able to leave behind. A name that will last longer than me. I think being able to save these lives of people that I’ll never meet is something that will keep me a household name for a very long time.” That’s not just a football player making a difference; that’s a legacy being built.
Mario Hamlin is hoping this “common sense bill” becomes the standard across all 50 states, urging everyone to understand that being prepared saves lives. The American Heart Association isn’t messing around either, stating that immediate access to AEDs and CPR can literally double or even triple survival rates. This isn’t just about high school sports; it’s about changing the game for youth safety everywhere.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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