Skylar Friedman, a teenage golfer, is celebrating by raising $700,000 for the hospital that saved her life at birth.
Friedman, 17, has dedicated the past two years to sponsoring a national putting contest known as the “100 putt challenge” to support the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. According to reports, she has managed to gather significant funds for the hospital through this initiative.
“They saved me, so it’s my duty to repay them,” Friedman shared.
Members of the Portledge School varsity golf team explain that the challenge involves participants making a pledge, promising a certain amount for each successful putt they sink within a single attempt.
“For instance, if someone commits $2 per putt and they make 80, that totals to $160,” she elaborated. “People often overlook how impactful it can be.”
The passionate golfer believes this is the least she can do for the hospital, which performed life-saving surgery on her when she was just five months old, due to a rare condition detected before birth.
Friedman’s mother had visited the hospital for a routine ultrasound, expecting to learn the baby’s gender, when a technician identified a mass in the lung, indicating an extremely rare disease. Without swift medical intervention, her life would have been at risk.
“It was meant to be a lighthearted moment, but what I had was a serious condition, so I’m sure it was quite an unusual case for them,” she reflected.
Friedman returns to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia multiple times a year for follow-ups and, with each visit, she’s reminded of the exceptional care she received.
“Every visit I’m struck by the kindness and dedication of the doctors and staff,” she remarked.
This deep appreciation for the hospital drove her to find a way to fundraise, ensuring it can continue to assist children like herself.
Currently, people from 12 states are participating in the putting challenge, with around 1,000 individuals involved this year, Friedman noted.
“Giving back provides me with a sense of purpose. If I can share my story with just one person, then it’s all worth it,” she concluded.
