Ahead of YACC’s Family Fest tomorrow, we caught up with Adam Drover and Adam Dutton, the co-chairs of the throwback softball game! For Drover and Dutton, involvement with Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) isn’t just a chapter from the past, it’s a lifelong connection rooted in community, charity, and camaraderie.
Drover first joined the YACC family back in high school, participating in the inaugural 2001 Climb before taking part in fundraising softball tournaments, volunteering at events, and even Shaving for the Brave in 2013!
While he doesn’t pinpoint a single favourite moment from his years of involvement, what stands out is “the overall sense of community and camaraderie.”
This year, when the call went out for a reunion-style softball game, Drover didn’t hesitate. “The tournaments of years past and my time spent volunteering with YACC/Real Time Cancer have always lived rent-free in my heart…Although games could be competitive in nature, everyone realized we were there for something bigger,” he said.
Now a father, he’s especially excited for the chance to involve his own kids in the legacy. “The opportunity to get folks back together who were involved in the past was a big draw for me. The fact that I have kids of my own now who can participate in some way is the icing on the cake.”
What can people expect? “Nostalgia, fun, camaraderie, friendly competition, laughter, activities for the kids, and an opportunity to reconnect,” said Drover.
For Adam Dutton, the connection goes back over 20 years, “Back when ‘real time’ was a cutting-edge concept,” he said.
He knew founder Geoff Eaton and what he was building with Real Time Cancer (now YACC), but it was his then-girlfriend (now wife and mother of his child) who got him involved. He began by helping with the softball tournament and pitching in at events like the Climb and Shave for the Brave.
Dutton says some of his favourite YACC memories include winning the softball tournament in the first year, “and again the second year. Then we moved away so didn’t get to go for the three-peat, so I have some unfinished business.”
As for why he’s back this year? “Because of Geoff. When Geoff asks, you answer.”
Whether it’s about honouring past memories or making new ones, both Adams are clear: this isn’t just a reunion. It’s a celebration of everything YACC has meant to them, and to so many others over the years.
And with that, Dutton sums it up best with his parting words: “PLAY BALL!”
