When Nate Gautier talks about LemonDrop, it’s hard for him to separate the event from the life altering experience that started it all.
From Diagnosis to Drive: Nate Gautier’s Mission to Support Cancer Patients
At 28 years old, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. What followed was a season of treatment, uncertainty, and learning to lean on others in ways he never had before. Like many who go through something similar, it wasn’t just the big moments that stuck with him -- it was the small ones, too. Even something as simple as a lemon drop candy became a source of relief during chemotherapy, helping settle the nausea that came with each round of treatment.
A few years later, that small detail turned into an idea.
In 2021, Nate and a group of friends organized what they thought would be a one-time event -- a long drive golf competition to raise money for testicular cancer support. They called it the LemonDrop Long Drive, a nod to those small moments of relief that helped him get through. The goal was simple: raise $2,500 and give it back to patients and organizations making a difference.
They raised more than $13,000.
What was meant to be a single night quickly became something bigger. The event gained attention beyond Southeast Missouri, earning recognition from Callaway and Topgolf’s Toptracer team, who honored LemonDrop with a “Tracie Award” for creativity and execution. Nate and members of the group were even flown to California to be recognized -- a surreal moment for something that started as an effort to help others among friends.
But for Nate, the recognition wasn’t the point.
“The focus has always been the patients in our own backyard,” he said.
Now in its sixth year, the LemonDrop Long Drive has grown into an annual event in Cape Girardeau, bringing together people of all ages and skill levels. With music, competition, and a high-energy atmosphere, it’s designed to be fun and memorable -- but the purpose behind it runs deeper. It’s about showing up for people during some of the hardest seasons of their lives.
That impact is something Nate feels every year, especially in April. As Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, it marks both a deeply personal milestone -- another year cancer-free -- and the culmination of months of planning for the event.
“It’s a vulnerable time of year,” he said. “But it’s also a reminder of why we do this.”
Through LemonDrop, Nate has seen firsthand how support, even in small ways, can make a difference. Whether it’s helping ease financial burdens or simply reminding someone they’re not alone, the goal has remained the same: walk alongside people when they need it most.
That perspective doesn’t stop with the event. It carries into his work at The Bank of Missouri, where relationships are at the center of everything he does.
“This community took care of me when I was sick,” Nate said. “That’s something you don’t forget.”
It shapes how he approaches his work and the people he serves. For Nate, banking isn’t just about numbers -- it’s about understanding what matters most to someone and helping them navigate their path. It’s about being present, building trust, and taking care of people in a way that feels genuine.
In many ways, the mission behind LemonDrop and his role at The Bank of Missouri are closely connected. Both are rooted in the same belief: that showing up for others matters.
Looking back, Nate is quick to admit he never expected any of this. What started as a difficult chapter in his life has turned into something that continues to support others every day. And while the growth of LemonDrop has been remarkable -- expanding to events in other states and drawing interest from across the country -- he still comes back to the same simple idea.
Start small. Help someone. Take action.
“Don’t wait for everything to be perfect,” he said. “If you’re passionate about it, just start.”
Because sometimes, the most meaningful impact begins with a single step -- and a willingness to do something for someone else.