Bills' Damar Hamlin connects with patients during visit at St. Louis hospital

Nobody can forget what happened to Damar Hamlin on January 2, 2023.

During a Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle. His heartbeat was restored on the field after he received CPR and Hamlin was then hospitalized.

Nine days later the safety was released from the hospital and the following season, he was back on the field with the team.

With such an inspirational story, Hamlin has used his platform to do so much in the community.

And on Wednesday, he visited patients at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. He met with numerous patients, connecting with individuals who have gone through cardiac events. And all of this was part of his new program.

According to First Alert 4 , Hamlin teamed up with Abbott for the Abbott HeartMates program, which helps create a community to support individuals who have been impacted by cardiac conditions.

Here is more information about the program ( via Abbott ):

"Through HeartMates, we’ll work with Hamlin to help create a space for people with heart conditions and their loved ones to share their stories and receive emotional support.

"'Our HeartMates program creates a community of support and resources for those navigating their heart health and embodies our unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone,' said Nadim Geloo, M.D., senior director of medical affairs in Abbott's structural heart business.

"It takes a tremendous amount of heart to overcome big health challenges. But, as Hamlin proved, it makes a big difference when you have a great team to help you author your comeback story."

St. Luke's is the first hospital where Hamlin hosted this event.

"I'm only 26, but I feel like I learned the most about myself through the process - recovering and pushing myself to get back, Hamlin said to one patient (via First Alert 4).

And that patient had an incredible response.

"It's incredible to see you out there again and doing your thing. That's awesome," he said back to the safety.

Hamlin then spoke with First Alert 4 about what it means to give back.

"We grow through what we go through. So to be able to have my experiences and then visit patients and let them know my journey and see where I was and where I am now. I had an ICU doctor come into my hospital room and show me his recovery nine months out post operation, so that was all the reassurance I needed in the moment that where I didn't know what the future held. So to be able to come and give people those moments is special," Hamlin said.