Shakespeare’s seven-year-old Carter Kuchma fighting to beat cancer

The Kuchma family of Shakespeare, from left, includes mom Diane, nine-year-old Hailey, 11-year-old Natalie, seven-year-old Carter and dad Tyler. Gary West photo

By Gary West

There’s a young family in Shakespeare facing a challenge no parent ever wants to imagine. Seven-year-old Carter Kuchma, the son of Tyler and Diane Kuchma, was diagnosed in August with Type B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia — a form of blood cancer.

The family, who moved to Shakespeare from Baden four years ago, noticed Carter was unusually tired and pale on Aug. 1. A blood test quickly revealed the devastating diagnosis, and Carter was admitted to London Health Sciences Centre on Aug. 8 where he remained for nearly two weeks undergoing surgeries, blood transfusions and the first rounds of chemotherapy.

“The induction month was very hard on him,” said Diane Kuchma. “The daily steroids caused mood swings, appetite loss and major changes to his body.”

Tyler Kuchma added that Carter was unable to walk for three weeks early in his treatment, but he has since regained his strength.

Now in the consolidation phase of his treatment, Carter is able to walk again and continues to take chemotherapy medication daily, along with weekly spinal injections. His parents say he misses being a kid – playing with his friends, going to school and spending time at the Shakespeare ball park, where he’s been a fixture on the fastball diamond since the family moved to the village.

Carter loves baseball, soccer, fishing, rollerblading, Lego, camping and video games, and says math is still his favourite subject in school. His loyal dog, Cali, rarely leaves his side and provides comfort through the hardest days.

The Kuchmas have been inspired by the support they’ve received from friends and neighbours, including Julie and Kyle Wynette of Tavistock, whose son, Nash, faced a similar diagnosis and is now healthy and active again.

“Their guidance and kindness have meant so much to us,” Diane Kuchma said.

When members of the Shakespeare Men’s Club heard about Carter’s battle, they knew they had to help.

“We already had the perfect event to rally the community,” said club member Barry Nowack, “so we decided to turn it into a fundraiser for Carter and his family.”

This year’s Caring for Carter Halloween fundraiser will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Shakespeare Optimist Hall. Tickets are $15 and available at Shakespeare Brewing Company, or by calling Barry Nowack at 519-276-9849 or SCAA member Amy Taylor. Those who wish to donate directly can email info@shakespearemensclub.com.

All proceeds will go to the Kuchma family to help with medical and travel expenses.

“Every dollar we raise will go straight to them,” said Nowack.