Damar Hamlin teams up with American Heart Association for #3forHeart CPR challenge
NEW YORK -- After going into cardiac arrest on the field, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is joining a new team.
No, it's not what you may think. He's not leaving western New York. He's teaming up with the American Heart Association to help save lives.
Hamlin shared a message on social media thanking everyone for the love and support after he collapsed during a game last month.
"As you know, CPR saved my life earlier this year on the field and CPR can easily save your life," Hamlin said.
READ MORE: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin speaks publicly for 1st time since going into cardiac arrest
On the video, he announced that he's partnering with the American Heart Association, launching the "#3forHeart CPR Challenge."
All it takes is three simple steps.
"Step one, go to heart.org/3 to watch a short video to learn hands-only CPR. Step 2, donate to the AHA to fund CPR awareness and education, and, Step 3, challenge three friends to do the same," Hamlin said.
Hamlin challenged pro athletes LeBron James and Tom Brady, and former first lady Michelle Obama.
The American Heart Association said the goal is to spread awareness and save lives.
"We're going to be able to reach millions of people with his story, so that people can learn the life-saving skill that is hands-only CPR," AHA's Diego Ortiz said.
It's touching hearts all over the country, including a New Jersey father and son, who took on the challenge.
CBS2 stopped people Manhattan to see what they think of the challenge and if they'd take part.
"I definitely would. Gonna check it out when I get to work," said Chris Acton of Levittown.
"As we saw with him, CPR being administered in a certain time frame could be the difference between life or death. So I think it's great, it's noble, and I think it's gonna save lives," said Max Karpen of Los Angeles.
"As a heart warrior, it hits a little different," added J.T. Laybourne of Salt Lake City.
Laybourne had his second open-heart surgery in May 2020. He has since helped raise more than $1 million for the American Heart Association.
He saw the impact social media can have first hand, and is inspired by Hamlin using his platform to make a difference.
"Seeing someone who is without question going to save human lives just for sharing his tragedy with the world and inspiring the world, it's amazing," Laybourne said.
For more information on how you can take part in the #3forHeart CPR Challenge, please click here.
