YouTuber Ryan Trahan and his wife, Haley Pham, have successfully completed their massive “50 States in 50 Days” challenge, raising over $11 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The journey began on June 10, 2025, in Texas and ended on July 29, 2025, after they visited all 50 U.S. states.
The couple documented their travels on YouTube, staying in unusual Airbnbs like a nut-shaped house, a nuclear missile bunker, and even a lighthouse. Their videos quickly gained popularity, attracting more than 100 million views during the campaign.
Their original fundraising goal was $1 million, but donations poured in so quickly that they had to raise the target several times. Support came from over 115 brands, including Kia, Airbnb, and Dollar Shave Club, as well as YouTubers like MrBeast, Mark Rober, and Doctor Mike.
To keep things interesting, the couple introduced a “Wheel of Doom” challenge. Donors who gave $50,000 or more could spin the wheel to force the pair into extra challenges, such as traveling without their phones or splitting up for a day.
All funds raised will support St. Jude, a hospital known for providing care to children with cancer at no cost to their families. The campaign not only raised money but also brought awareness to the hospital’s life-saving work.
