The Hundt Strong golf outing began in 2017 as a way to support Billy Hundt during his extensive treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). From that very first year, it quickly became a beloved tradition, attracting more and more golfers each year. Many participants are family members as Billy was born into a large family 45 first cousins.
Billy, an avid golfer himself, worked at Eagle Eye/Hawk Hollow golf course for over six years before his diagnosis, and he was treated like family there. The second Hundt Strong outing, held after Billy’s passing in February of that year, became a memorial event. It was a day to celebrate and remember his amazing, giving spirit. His co-workers at the course honored his life by presenting his family with a memorial slab that now sits outside the Pro Shop at Hawk Hollow, a testament to how Billy lived his short life—always hardworking, helpful, and smiling.
Billy’s mother Theresa describes, “Hawk Hollow is a place where we always feel Billy’s presence, and we are touched by the special signs we receive, showing us he is still with us in spirit. Rainbows have become one of his unique signs, appearing in pictures from the outing or in the sky on the day of the event. In our third year, an upside-down rainbow appeared over the course, mirroring a picture our niece drew of Billy after his death. The drawing showed a young Billy with an upside-down rainbow under his smiling face and read, “Once upon a time, there was a boy whose smile could even outdo an upside-down rainbow.”
This year, thanks to incredible sponsors and a community of close friends, the Hundt Strong outing raised $26,000, bringing their total to over $116,000 for various childhood cancer charities over the years. Billy’s parents discovered Megan Bugg’s story in 2020 and were inspired by the partnership she formed with cc-TDI and their RMS research efforts. By the sixth year, Billy’s family decided to dedicate their fundraising solely to the Megan Bugg Global Rhabdomyosarcoma Research Laboratory at cc-TDI.
Next year will be the 8th annual Hundt Strong golf outing in May of 2025, continuing to honor Billy’s legacy, and support childhood cancer research for current and future RMS fighters. Thank you to Dan and Theresa Hundt for continuing to push our research mission forward. We are humbled by your generosity and remain inspired by your efforts.
