Sprucedale classmates shave their heads to support Carter Kuchma

Carter Kuchma and his classmates pose after their new haircuts. Front row, from left: Theo LaPoint, Grayson Fuhr, Carter Kuchma, Duncan Lindner, Levi Gautreau, Levi Roer and Zac Yantzi. Back row, from left: Theo Reid, Case Allen, Randy Berger, Jamieson LaPoint, Jak Yantzi, Ryan Yantzi and Wesley Allen. At back is hairstylist Larissa Allen, who helped make the event possible. Gary West photo

By Gary West

A group of Sprucedale Public School students showed just how much friendship can mean last Friday when they had their heads shaved in support of classmate Carter Kuchma as he continues his fight against cancer.

Residents in and around Shakespeare who notice a group of boys with matching haircuts are not imagining things. The boys chose to shave their heads to stand with Carter, who is seven years old and will soon turn eight.

Carter’s parents, Tyler and Diane Kuchma, said their son had just begun to lose his thick hair as a result of ongoing chemotherapy treatments. They said the gesture from his classmates meant a great deal to Carter and the entire family.

Even during a difficult week, Carter was able to feel happier spending time with his friends, who came together with their parents during March Break to take part in the head-shaving event.

Carter has not been able to attend school or play with his friends since being diagnosed last September, making the show of support even more meaningful.

The event followed another strong show of community support earlier this month, when Sprucedale Home and School parents organized a successful spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Carter and his family.

The boys who took part wore shirts bearing the message, “We Fight Together – Team Carter.”