Long Island teen golfer runs putt challenge for hospital that saved his life as a baby: ‘My duty to return the favor’

With each putt, he’s giving back to those who helped him.

A high school golfer from Long Island has made a remarkable impact—raising over $700,000 for the hospital that saved his life when he was just an infant.

“They provided me with a second chance, so it’s my responsibility to give back,” Skylar Friedman, 17, shared with The Post.

This Laurel Hollow teen is enhancing his fundraising efforts by inviting golfers nationwide to participate in a putting contest to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he underwent a rare, life-saving lung surgery when he was merely 5 months old.

Last year, Friedman initiated the “100 Putt Challenge,” a straightforward idea where golfers from across the country pledge different amounts based on the number of 6-foot putts they successfully sink out of 100 attempts.

Anyone can participate from virtually anywhere—whether it be a golf course, a living room, or even the aisle of an airplane, he explained.

“Many people don’t realize how quickly the donations can accumulate,” noted the 12th grader, who has been on the varsity golf team at Portledge School since he was in middle school.

“For example, if someone pledges two dollars a putt and makes 80 of them, that easily totals to $160.”

Dreaming of becoming a mechanical engineer, Friedman has already raised over $66,000 toward his latest ambitious goal of $250,000. However, he has successfully garnered a staggering $700,000 for the specialized hospital that remains close to his heart over the past seven years.

A Challenging Beginning

During an ultrasound prior to his birth, doctors discovered an unusual mass in the lower lobe of Friedman’s lungs, posing a serious risk of a fatal heart incident.

“We thought it would be a joyful moment to find out if I was going to be a boy or a girl,” he recalled, noting that local medical professionals were unfamiliar with his condition.

“It was extremely rare, probably the first instance they had encountered it.”

The Friedman family traveled to Philadelphia for the successful surgery that involved the removal of a part of his lung, and since then, he has been able to breathe freely and live a healthy life.

Although he doesn’t remember the medical ordeal, Friedman values the kindness shown by the hospital’s staff during his regular check-ups—he still visits twice a year for asthma treatment and other health issues.

“Every visit has left me overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion of the healthcare team,” said Friedman, who participates on the hospital’s youth advisory council and has delivered talks regarding patient care.

However, he wanted to contribute even more. Seven years ago, he engaged his longtime golf coach, Adam Laird, to harness their mutual love for golf in a philanthropic effort.

“I never saw Sky as someone who was sick; I always knew him as a cheerful individual. He focuses not just on himself but uses his achievements to uplift others. … I draw a great deal of inspiration from him,” Laird commented.

They kicked off an “impromptu” golf marathon where Laird played an incredible 24 consecutive hours at North Shore Country Club, raising $17,000.

As the initiative gained traction, substantial donations began to flow in. Friedman also participated in a “mini marathon” where he played 100 holes, even using his putter as a makeshift cane to help him walk afterward.

Last year, aiming to “significantly expand our outreach,” they conceptualized a remote putting challenge. Friedman was thrilled to discover that all his high school teammates would be joining the challenge next week.

“We now have participants from about a dozen states, attracting nearly 1,000 individual donors this year,” Friedman mentioned, expanding his efforts with a book titled “It Could Be Worse,” published in March, chronicling his life experiences.

“Giving back is my calling. If my story helps even one person, it makes it all worthwhile.”