Dive deep into the inspiring story of Long Island teen golfer Skylar Friedman, whose remarkable “100 Putt Challenge” has raised over $700,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This definitive guide explores how a life-saving lung operation as an infant fueled his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, transforming personal gratitude into a nationwide movement that continues to impact countless lives.
In a powerful testament to personal gratitude and community spirit, Skylar Friedman, a 17-year-old high school golfer from Laurel Hollow, Long Island, has successfully spearheaded a fundraising initiative that has generated an astounding $700,000 for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). His commitment stems from a deeply personal connection: CHOP saved his life as an infant, an act he feels it’s his “duty to return the favor.”
The Genesis of a Golfer’s Gratitude: Skylar’s Story
Skylar’s journey began before he even drew his first breath. During a routine ultrasound, doctors discovered a rare and abnormal mass in the right lower lobe of his lungs. This condition posed a severe threat, potentially leading to a fatal heart attack. With local doctors unfamiliar with the rare growth, his family sought specialized care at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
At just 5 months old, Skylar underwent a life-saving operation at CHOP, which required the removal of the bottom of his lung. This critical intervention allowed him to “breathe easily and live ever since.” Though he has no memory of the surgery’s intensity, the impact of CHOP’s care profoundly shaped his life and his desire to give back.
The “100 Putt Challenge”: A Simple Concept, Massive Impact
In 2024, Skylar launched the “100 Putt Challenge,” a nationwide contest designed to engage golfers of all skill levels. The concept is straightforward: participants pledge various amounts of money based on how many 6-foot putts they sink out of 100 attempts. The beauty of the challenge lies in its accessibility, as it can be performed anywhere—from a professional course to a living room, or even an airplane aisle.
Skylar explains the power of this simple idea, noting, “If somebody pledges two dollars a putt and hits 80 of them, that’s $160 easily made. People don’t realize how much it adds up.” This innovative approach has allowed him to connect with a broad audience, transforming individual efforts into a collective wave of support for CHOP. His latest goal for the challenge is to raise $250,000, with over $66,000 already secured.
A Life Saved: Skylar’s Battle with a Rare Condition
The abnormal mass detected in Skylar’s lung was a “very rare condition” that doctors at his local hospital had never encountered. This underscores the vital role of specialized children’s hospitals like CHOP, which are equipped to handle complex and uncommon medical cases. The successful procedure not only saved Skylar’s life but also enabled him to pursue his passion for golf, playing varsity at Portledge School since middle school.
Skylar’s personal experience highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis and specialized treatment for rare conditions, which can be life-altering for infants and their families. Without access to such expert care, the outcome could have been drastically different.
The Enduring Kindness of CHOP
Skylar’s connection to CHOP extends beyond his infant surgery. He returns twice annually for follow-ups related to his asthma and other conditions. During these visits, he has consistently been impressed by the “overly kind and caring” doctors and staff. This sustained positive experience deeply informs his desire to contribute. His gratitude isn’t just for saving his life, but for the ongoing compassion and exceptional patient care he witnesses firsthand.
His involvement with the hospital’s youth advisory council and his speeches on patient care further demonstrate his dedication, transforming his experience into advocacy for others. His firsthand account adds a powerful, human dimension to the importance of empathetic healthcare.
From Marathons to Nationwide Movement: Expanding the Reach
Skylar’s philanthropic efforts began seven years ago when he teamed up with his long-time golf trainer, Adam Laird. Their initial “impromptu” golf marathon saw Laird play 24 hours straight at North Shore Country Club, raising $17,000. Skylar even participated in a “mini marathon” of 100 holes, pushing himself to exhaustion. Laird, who describes Skylar as “happy-go-lucky” and someone who “uses his success to fill the cups of others,” found inspiration in his student’s selflessness, as reported by the New York Post.
The “100 Putt Challenge” emerged as a way to “greatly grow the scale” of their efforts. This remote format has attracted participants from about a dozen states and garnered approximately 1,000 individual donors this year alone, demonstrating the potential of digital platforms to amplify charitable causes. The challenge website, PledgeIt.org, facilitates this widespread participation, allowing individuals to easily pledge support and contribute to Skylar’s mission.
Beyond the Green: Skylar’s Broader Purpose and Future
Skylar’s impact extends beyond fundraising. In March, he published a book titled “It Could Be Worse,” sharing his life story and perspective. This endeavor further solidifies his role as an advocate and inspiration. He dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer, showcasing a multi-faceted ambition that blends technical skill with a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to society.
For Skylar, “giving back, it feels like my purpose. If I can reach one person with my story, then it is all worth it.” His journey exemplifies how personal experiences can ignite a lifelong commitment to philanthropy, inspiring others to find their own ways to make a difference.
The Power of Community and Philanthropy in Pediatric Care
Skylar Friedman’s story is a powerful reminder of several critical aspects of healthcare and community:
- The Indispensable Role of Specialized Hospitals: CHOP’s ability to treat Skylar’s rare condition underscores the necessity of institutions dedicated to complex pediatric care.
- The Ripple Effect of Compassion: The “overly kind and caring” staff at CHOP not only saved a life but also fostered a lasting sense of gratitude that led to significant charitable contributions.
- Empowering Youth Philanthropy: Skylar’s initiative demonstrates that age is no barrier to making a substantial impact, inspiring peers and adults alike.
- Innovative Fundraising: The “100 Putt Challenge” showcases how creative, accessible concepts can mobilize widespread support for worthy causes.
His story resonates as a beacon of hope and a call to action, illustrating that even a single individual, driven by gratitude and purpose, can orchestrate a profound and far-reaching positive change within the healthcare landscape.
