Update After Finishing!

That was truly one of the best experiences I ever had: receiving support from friends and family, learning about Chicagoland as a whole, and challenging what I thought was possible for this run. I created this film documenting my journey along with a quick preview of what I learned.

High 55! Promo/Preview

High 55! Film

Meet the Runner!

Hi, I’m Andy, an 18-year-old runner from Arlington Heights, and I’m running the High 55! to fundraise for Lurie Children’s. I hope that my 64-mile challenge will bring awareness for the youth who stay strong and fight through adversity.

I was moved by stories such as Luna, who at just 11 was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Between the cycles of radiation and chemotherapy, she painted animals and the outdoors while in the care of Lurie Children’s. Despite months of difficult treatments, Luna promised to be optimistic every day, which allowed her to beat cancer and be cancer-free for three years and counting.

Even when their futures looked bleak, these children still put a smile on their face. I realize these kids are some of the toughest and most resilient human beings in the world because they don’t let the uncontrollables dictate the experience of just being a kid. 

To symbolize their fervor and perseverance, running The High 55! challenge may give me a small glimpse of what it’s like to overcome obstacles and live every given moment.

As Luna would encouragingly tell others, “You can do anything. Believe in yourself.”

Why Lurie Children's 

Lurie Children's Mission | Just Getting Started

As a nonprofit hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago depends on donations to provide a healthier future for every child. Your gifts can help fuel life-saving research, comfort kids during challenging procedures and provide access to world-class care for families in need (Lurie Children's).

Here’s a recap of what your donation will go towards:

Create a welcoming hospital stay for kids by funding access for activities, supplies and toys.

Provide patients with the support they need to thrive after lengthy hospital stays in both staff and equipment.

Support vital clinical trials via the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute in order to discover new or more effective treatment options.

Employ the best pediatric specialists in Illinois: Lurie Children's was ranked the 2023-24 highest quality pediatric care in Illinois (US News).

All donations are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by Lurie Children’s Foundation.

On behalf of the patients and families of Lurie Children’s, we are immensely thankful for your support! Whether it's $1, $10, or $100, any contribution goes a long way to support a renowned hospital with a selfless mission to support the medical needs of Chicagoland children from one generation to the next.

All proceeds go directly to Lurie Children's! ("Make a donation to Andy Loh" just means you are supporting the fundraiser host; contact any questions to [email protected])

How The High 55! Works

While the run is over, the fundraiser is just getting started! Lurie Children's accepts any dollar amount over $5. Let's work together to push to our goal!

You can still make an unofficial pledge to donate a certain amount per mile, though it's not required in any way.

Here's a pledge to donations chart. Pledges are rounded to x50 for simplification.

$0.10/mile = $5

$0.20/mile = $10

$0.50/mile = $25

$1/mile = $50

$2/mile = $100

$5/mile = $250

For instance, if you want to donate $1/mile, please make a one-time $50 donation. After payment, you can comment your pledge (e.g. $1/mile) and/or dedicate the donation to an individual or loved one.

Routes and Logisitics

For those curious, click below to see a brief overview of the route and learn some of the logistics of the High 55.

Routes and Logistics | Google Sites