Drive Out Cancer field hockey tournament continues to raise funds, awareness

Topsham School Hosts 12th‑Year “Drive Out Cancer” Field‑Hockey Tournament, Raising Over $8,000 for Maine Children’s Cancer Program

Topsham, Maine – On Saturday afternoon, the Mt. Ararat High School soccer field buzzed with the sounds of a community rallying for a cause that touches more lives than most realize. The 12th‑annual Drive Out Cancer Field‑Hockey Tournament, held in Topsham, brought together eight high‑school teams in an eight‑team round‑robin format to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program at MaineHealth’s Barbara Busch Children’s Hospital.

The tournament, which began as a single game between the Mt. Ararat Eagles and neighboring Morse Shipbuilders, has evolved into a multi‑team event that also features the Brunswick Dragons, Greely Rangers, Lewiston Blue Devils, Lincoln Academy Eagles, Lisbon Greyhounds, and Oak Hill Raiders. Players marched onto the field carrying orange signs bearing names and stories, turning the field into a living memorial for those who have battled childhood cancer.

A Community‑Wide Effort

“Sadly, every one of us knows a family member or friend whose life has been affected by cancer,” said Martha Meyer, a retired field‑hockey official, breast‑cancer survivor of 25 years, and stepmother of Mt. Ararat coach Krista Chase. “There’s nothing good to say about cancer, except for events like this that bring us together as a community to support children and their families.”

The funds raised at the tournament go directly to MaineHealth’s pediatric oncology and hematology program. For this year, organizers set a modest $6,000 target but pulled in more than $8,000—an impressive 33 % over goal. Over the course of its history, the Drive Out Cancer tournament has brought in more than $120,000 to support children diagnosed with cancer in Maine and New Hampshire, states that rank among the highest for pediatric cancer incidence in the country.

Dr. Aaron Weiss, a pediatric hematology‑oncology specialist at MaineHealth, underscored the event’s importance. “Pediatric cancer is just one percent of all cancers, but there are 50–60 children diagnosed in Maine and New Hampshire each year,” he said. “The money raised goes to support the extra work that is critical for these children and their families.”

Survivors Share Their Stories

The tournament was especially meaningful for the Mt. Ararat team, which had honored senior Abbey Roy last year for her victory over stage‑four Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Roy, now a junior, spoke about her diagnosis and recovery. “I went to the doctor, they saw something in my lungs and had to run some tests,” she recalled. “They came up with it being stage‑four Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I was getting chemo once every two weeks for six months, and I’ve been in remission ever since… At first, hearing that you have stage‑four cancer, out of the blue, it’s just shocking.”

Roy added that her teammates were a source of comfort throughout her treatment. “They gave me gift baskets. They were all so great. They were really just there for anything I needed.”

Freshman forward Adelynn Moody shared a similar journey. “I went to the hospital and found out something wasn’t right,” she said. Moody’s story began in second grade, when she discovered she had relapsed B‑cell lymphoblastic leukemia during the COVID‑19 pandemic. She underwent a second round of chemotherapy, which proved successful. “It’s been five years now that I’ve been in remission. I’m feeling great,” Moody noted. “(The tournament) means a lot. Everyone’s in it together. It’s not about field hockey, it’s about everyone coming together. It’s more than the game.”

A Look Ahead

The Drive Out Cancer tournament has grown into a statewide tradition that unites athletes, coaches, parents, and community members in a shared mission. While the games themselves are competitive—eighth‑team round‑robin matches that test skill and stamina—every player and spectator knows the stakes extend far beyond the scoreboard.

For many, the event is both a celebration of triumph and a reminder of the ongoing challenge children with cancer face. By donating time, talent, and money, the Topsham community continues to support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, ensuring that children and families have the resources they need to fight this disease.

As the sun set over the field, the final whistle blew and the players shared a collective sense of accomplishment. The 12th‑year Drive Out Cancer tournament had not only raised a record‑setting $8,000 for pediatric cancer care but also reaffirmed the power of community solidarity in the fight against childhood cancer.