When Akhil Alluri tore a ligament playing golf, it took a physical and emotional toll on him.

"I couldn’t walk for about a month," the Northville High School sophomore said. "I gained a lot of weight during that time because I didn’t do anything athletically."

Although it was an unpleasant experience, it also led Alluri to the realization that as bad as it was some others had it worse. He has since healed and the golf athlete has resumed playing the sport he loves. Now, he's taking to the golf course to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

"It made me realize there are a lot of bigger things in life than, for me in my case, the golf season. I wanted to give back," he said.

Alluri plans to play 54 holes on Sept. 15 at the Northville Hills Golf Club and is looking for sponsors to donate $100/hole to raise a total of $5,400. He will play three 18-hole rounds at the golf club and walk about 21 miles to complete his effort.

The fund-raising experience has taught him a lot, he said, especially "not to give up even when I’m not doing so well, just to keep going."

Some people have been generous with their donations but he is in need of more support. To donate online, visit http://www.beaumontchildrenshospital.com/giving/cmn.