Long Island Teenager Raises $700,000 for Hospital That Saved His Life [WATCH]

A Long Island high school golfer has turned his love for the game into a life-changing effort to give back to the hospital that saved him as a baby. Seventeen-year-old Skylar Friedman of Laurel Hollow has raised more than $700,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where doctors performed a rare lung operation that allowed him to survive infancy, as reported by The New York Post.

“They saved me, so it’s my duty to return the favor,” Friedman told The New York Post.

Friedman launched the “100 Putt Challenge,” a nationwide putting fundraiser that invites golfers to pledge donations based on how many six-foot putts they make out of 100 attempts.

The event can be done anywhere — on a golf course, at home, or even in an airplane aisle — allowing participants from across the country to take part.

“People don’t realize how much it adds up,” Friedman said. “If somebody pledges two dollars a putt and hits 80 of them, that’s $160 easily made.”

A senior at Portledge School in Locust Valley, where he has played varsity golf since middle school, Friedman has already raised more than $66,000 toward his latest goal of $250,000. Over the past seven years, his various fundraising projects have generated over $700,000 for CHOP.

The results are in! Golf Pro Adam Laird and Patient Skylar Friedman raised more than $130,000 for @CHOPFetalCenter. Adam played 303 holes in 24 hours while Skylar shot 100 holes! Thank you to everyone who participated! Your dedication truly makes a difference. #ForBreakthroughs pic.twitter.com/VDBJKE1JV3

— Children’s Hospital (@ChildrensPhila) November 6, 2022

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The effort stems from Friedman’s early medical challenges. Before his birth, doctors discovered an abnormal mass in his right lung during an ultrasound.

The condition, described as extremely rare, posed a serious risk of cardiac arrest. His parents brought him to Philadelphia, where surgeons removed the lower portion of his right lung when he was just five months old.

“I’ve been able to breathe easily and live ever since,” Friedman said.

He still travels to CHOP twice a year for asthma and follow-up care. “Every time I’ve gone there, I’ve just been struck with how overly kind and caring the doctors and all staff are,” he said. Friedman now serves on the hospital’s youth advisory council and frequently speaks about patient care.

Patient Skyler Friedman shows off his golf skills! Skylar & Golf Pro Adam Laird are teaming up again to host the 4th Annual Golf Marathon to support our @CHOPFetalCenter. Now until 10/5, sign up to participate in a 100 putt challenge. To learn more visit: https://t.co/5k53eSij2C. pic.twitter.com/387L6rzYux

— Children’s Hospital (@ChildrensPhila) September 21, 2022

Seven years ago, Friedman partnered with his golf coach, Adam Laird, to start fundraising through golf events. Their first challenge, a 24-hour golf marathon at North Shore Country Club in Glen Head, raised $17,000.

“I never knew Sky as a kid who was sick,” Laird said. “He doesn’t just think about himself — he uses his success to fill the cups of others.”

A quick sneak peak at Skylar’s interview with Adam Laird, who will be doing his annual charity golf marathon tomorrow! His goal is 160 holes & Sky has his own putting challenge. All proceeds benefit @ChildrensPhila and its @CHOPFetalCenter. https://t.co/ddodRwp761 pic.twitter.com/R1XjJB4Gnk

— Joel Friedman (@jbfrieds) August 12, 2020

The “100 Putt Challenge” was created to expand that mission. Participants in about a dozen states have joined, with roughly 1,000 donors contributing so far this year. Friedman’s high school teammates plan to take part in the next round of the challenge next week.

In March, Friedman published a book titled It Could Be Worse, sharing his story and motivation for giving back. “Giving back, it feels like my purpose,” he said. “If I can reach one person with my story, then it is all worth it.”

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