Raleigh based MagnaReady polos to be worn at U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst

Pinehurst No. 6 will host the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open featuring the world's best golfers with disabilities.

"It's time and overdue for people with limited mobility, dexterity, or disability to also be recognized," Maura Horton said.

Horton is the CEO and founder of MagnaReady, a Raleigh based company that makes adaptive clothing.

"You can just put it on, line the magnets up and they automatically close together and you're dressed," Horton said.

MagnaReady's pants and shirts look like regular cloths, but their hidden magnets in place of buttons can be a game changer for the elderly or people with disabilities. Horton's inspiration was her husband Don Horton, a former NC State assistant football coach. Horton was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease when he was still coaching at the age of 48. 

"He played football as well so he thought, 'oh I just have a pinched nerve,'" Maura remembered. "We were shocked when we did hear the diagnosis of Parkinson's."

The disease is progressive and attacks the nerves. Maura's idea for MagnaReady came after Don told her a story about former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson helping him in the locker room after a game.

"[Don] was unable to get dressed to catch the team plane," Maura remembered Don telling her. "Russell was the last in the locker room because he was doing press interviews, saw him struggling and helped him get dressed in silence."

Don passed away in 2016. He donated his brain for research and was also diagnosed with Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). According to the mayo clinic CTE is the term used to describe brain degeneration likely caused by repeated head traumas.

"We wanted to continue the journey and make a difference," Maura said.

At Pinehurst Maura's MagnaReady polo's will be the official shirt of golfers at the U.S. Adaptive Open.

"I was super proud to be able to have that licensed and logo'd on the MagnaReady polos," Maura said.

Maura believes Don would be proud of the work she's continued to do in his name.

"I hope that our family makes a difference much beyond clothing," Maura said. "That we are helping to destigmatize many things."