Friends of Kentucky linebacker Chris Oats have reportedly formed the 22 Oats Strong Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to support single-parent families caring for impaired children, specifically stroke victims.

This comes on the heels of a recent fundraising campaign by Kentucky and Big Blue Nation to raise money for Oats’ medical expenses.

“Having seen first-hand the struggles and heartaches the Oats family has had to endure since Chris’ stroke in 2020, I knew I wanted to be a part of something that could help others so they wouldn’t have to go through the same thing,” said Susan Lax, 22 Oats Strong Foundation President, according to LEX18. “This foundation is set up to do just that and we are excited to see what our future holds.”

With help from Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops, a “#22OatsStrong” GoFundMe campaign raised over $150,000 in September. The campaign was started by Wildcats tight end Keaton Upshaw, and served as the inspiration for the foundation’s creation.

Funds donated to the 22 Oats Strong Foundation will help take families’ minds off the stress of financial hardships and allow them time to focus on their loved ones. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at 22OatsStrong.org or by mailing a check payable to “22 Oats Strong Foundation” to 135 W Main St., Suite 300, Lexington, KY 40507. On the memo line of the check, indicate that the donation is for “22 Oats Strong Foundation.” Donations are tax-deductible.

A native of Cincinnati that starred at Winton Woods High School, Oats was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2018 for the Wildcats. As a true freshman, he registered 27 tackles and 3 tackles for a loss. His 46 tackles in 2019 were the 5th-most on the team. Oats was admitted to the hospital in May of 2020 after suffering a stroke and has been recovering since.