My Story

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Hi, I’m Spence — founder of The Ball Player’s Club.

 

I grew up in North Edmonton, in a neighborhood where syringes littered the park, stolen cars crashed through fences, and sirens were part of the soundtrack of everyday life. At the time, I thought that was normal. It wasn’t until high school — when a friend reacted in shock to our weekly crime update phone call — that I realized my environment was different.

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That realization drove me. I worked hard to “get out,” chasing success the way many men do — through money, titles, and the next big opportunity. I climbed all the way to Head of Canadian Sales, reporting directly to the CEO. On paper, I had everything. But in reality, I was drowning in a toxic environment that clashed with my values of honesty, empathy, and humility. Depression set in, and I became someone I didn’t even recognize.

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Eventually, I fought my way back and redefined success — not as money or titles, but as happiness. Life was good again. Until it wasn’t.

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

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Hearing those words shook me to my core. At first, I couldn’t even bring myself to tell my wife, Julie. She found out by stumbling across the x-ray requisition I left on my desk. Breaking the news to her and, later, to our kids was one of the hardest moments of my life.

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But I made a decision: cancer wouldn’t define me. I fought with everything I had, and today I’m grateful to say I show no signs of abnormalities. That experience left me with one question echoing in my mind: How can I help others who are struggling?

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The answer became The Ball Player’s Club.

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Why are we here?

We believe men shouldn’t have to face health struggles in silence. Every man deserves the courage, knowledge, and support to confront challenges head-on — whether it’s cancer, depression, or any adversity — and to become the best version of themselves for the people they love.

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How we do things?

We make tough conversations easier by:

• Sharing honest stories that break stigma and inspire connection.

• Creating approachable, community-driven awareness campaigns rooted in courage and resilience.

• Using the culture of sports and teamwork to make health conversations less intimidating and more relatable.

• Partnering with medical experts, players, and communities to turn awareness into action.

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What are we?

• Awareness & Education: Hosting events, campaigns, and workshops focused on testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and men’s mental health.

• Self-Checks & Early Detection: Providing men with tools and resources to catch problems early, when they’re most treatable.

• Brotherhood & Support: Building a community where men know they’re not alone — a true “club” that has their back.

• Partnerships & Impact: Collaborating with experts, ambassadors, and organizations to expand awareness and save lives.

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Our Challenge to You

Life is one challenge after another. What defines us is how we respond.  

 

At The Ball Player’s Club, our mission is to help men find the courage to talk about their testicles.

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So ask yourself...Do you have the ball(s) to talk about it?