EP256 | Geoff Eaton | Founder & Executive Director Young Adult Cancer Canada

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Gale Force Wins, host Gerry Carew sits down with Geoff Eaton, a two-time cancer survivor, social entrepreneur, and the founder of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YAC). Geoff shares his incredible journey from battling cancer in his early 20s to creating a support network for young adults facing similar challenges. He opens up about the transformative impact of entrepreneurship, the importance of family support, and how facing adversity can lead to meaningful growth.From his personal experience with cancer to his mission in building a thriving community for young adults, Geoff’s story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of taking action. This episode dives deep into the value of peer support, the role of community, and the importance of taking risks to achieve one's dreams.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about overcoming life’s toughest challenges and creating something beautiful out of hardship.0:00 - Welcome back to Gale Force Wins0:11 - Gerry introduces the guest0:24 - Gerry expresses excitement for the interview0:49 - Geoff Eaton introduces himself and shares his background1:57 - Geoff talks about growing up and education2:33 - Entrepreneurial nature discussed3:03 - Business school experience shared3:22 - Gerry shares his own business school experience3:52 - Influence of family in entrepreneurship4:08 - Entrepreneurial background of Geoff's family5:15 - Story of the Geoff's mother closing her store6:05 - Gerry comments on the classy closure of the store6:28 - Importance of celebrating business owners7:26 - Importance of taking action in entrepreneurship8:09 - Facing obstacles in business9:13 - Emotional toll of business ownership9:40 - Thoughts on entrepreneurship10:04 - Reflections on luck and being Canadian10:50 - Importance of entrepreneurship and small business13:02 - Charity work and its importance13:54 - The beginning of Young Adult Cancer Canada14:53 - Geoff's personal cancer journey16:04 - Starting RealTime Cancer17:34 - Growth of the organization19:01 - Bone marrow transplant story20:05 - The evolution of Young Adult Cancer Canada21:16 - First face-to-face retreats23:02 - Success of fundraising initiatives24:02 - Fundraising and its impact on growth25:14 - Lessons learned from the organization’s growth26:02 - Advice for cancer patients28:08 - Importance of family support29:03 - Family support during tough times30:27 - Role of volunteers in the organization32:04 - Importance of face-to-face connections33:06 - Letting kids experience challenges on their own36:04 - The importance of risk-taking37:17 - Reflections on being an intense parent39:02 - How tough experiences shape who we are39:26 - Impact of losing a parent40:05 - Future goals for Young Adult Cancer Canada42:03 - Need for growth and increased resources43:02 - Final appreciation and wrap-up44:59 - Closing remarksGale Force Wins started out simply as an inspirational podcast releasing episodes wherever you get your podcasts every Tuesday evening. We continue to do that every Tuesday but have expanded into custom content for clients. We also have perfected a conference and trade show offering where you can receive over 20 videos edited and posted to social media at the same time the event is unfolding.For businesses and organizations we also create digital content quickly and efficiently.Visit our services page here:https://galeforcewins.com/servicesTo message Gerry visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrycarew/To message Allan visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allanadale/