Billy-O Golf Tournament

An individual who lived life to the fullest, Billy Orman was a devoted family man and friend to many. His loved ones and friends share fond memories of his kindness, humor and generosity, and carry on his legacy today through the Billy-O Golf Tournament, which raises vital funds to support the Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALSMDA Center at Atrium Health. After his passing, following a four-year battle with ALS, Billy’s family members and friend John Taylor established the annual golf tournament as an instrument of healing, hope, and as a tribute to Billy and his love of the sport.

In 2020, the Billy-O Golf Tournament raised $15,000 to benefit ALS research conducted at the Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center under the leadership of Leo F. McCluskey, MD. As Billy’s own disease progressed, he moved from Auburn, New York, to Charlotte to receive treatment at the Neuromuscular/ALSMDA Center. Though Billy did not survive to see a cure for this devastating disease, he actively participated in clinical trials with the hope that he could make a difference for future patients battling ALS.

“We hope that someday soon there will be advanced treatments and a cure for someone diagnosed with this disease,” said Katie Orman, Billy’s younger sister. “To know we are contributing to that in some way is heart-warming.”

The Billy-O Golf Tournament has become a healing reunion and cherished opportunity for Billy’s closest friends and family members to honor his memory and his desire for researchers to one day soon discovery a cure for ALS.

Pictured (L-R): Sara Piner, Director of Gift Planning at Atrium Health Foundation; Shivangee Thorne, MSW, Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute; Darlene Orman, and Leo F. McCluskey, MD, Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute.

With the support of philanthropy, the Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center

continues to advance leading-edge clinical research for ALS, while expanding its infrastructure to serve patients with greater frequency and efficiency. Most importantly, community support has helped the Center earn international recognition for its clinical expertise and pioneering medical research, including designations among a select group of medical institutions to host and offer Phase III studies for ALS patients.