Sprucedale school council hosts spaghetti dinner for Carter Kuchma

Sprucedale organizers and volunteers behind the “Courage for Carter” fundraiser included, back row from left, acting principal Sarah Gerber, Kyle Wynette with Nash Wynette, Julie Wynette, Mary White, Mackenzie Lapointe, Paula Roser, Tara Rochelequien, Jody Hart, Amy Yantzi, Whitney Reis, Raeven Graham and Sammi Akins. Front, from left, Isla Riser, Savaya Hobson, Acadia Hobson, Breyer Robinson, Tavlynn Rochelequien, Tessa Rochelequien, Sam Weber, Annie Reid and Kathleen Lindner. Gary West photo

By Diane Danen

The Village of Shakespeare and the Sprucedale Public School community came together on Thursday, Feb. 19, to surround Carter Kuchma and his family with love and support.

In August 2025, Carter was diagnosed with Type B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Carter was just seven years old. While his prognosis is good, he will require ongoing chemotherapy treatments over the next three years at SickKids Hospital in London. His father, Tyler Kuchma, has taken a leave from work to care for Carter and drive him to his many medical appointments.

To help the family, the Sprucedale parent council organized an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner in partnership with Quehl's Restaurant. Held from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the event welcomed guests to dine in or take their meals to go.

The menu included spaghetti with a choice of two sauces, Caesar salad, dinner rolls and a selection of desserts, along with cold drinks, coffee and tea. With more than 400 meals served, the evening was a tremendous success.

“It was an amazing turnout,” said Dianne Kuchma, Carter’s mom. “We are so incredibly grateful for the support we have.”

Dianne and Tyler Kuchma moved to Shakespeare four years ago with their three children, Carter and his sisters, Hailey, nine, and Natalie, 11. Over the past several months, the family has felt the support of the small but tight-knit community.

Local service clubs have stepped forward in support of the Kuchma family since Carter’s diagnosis. The Shakespeare Optimist Club made a financial donation, along with Ed Jeffrey, who donated his winnings from one of the Optimist draws. The Shakespeare Men's Club donated proceeds from its October Halloween Dance, and the Shakespeare Athletic Association, along with the congregation at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, have also provided support.

Julie Wynette, a member of the Sprucedale parent council, helped organize the fundraiser. She and her husband, Kyle Wynette, understand the journey all too well, as their son, Nash, was also diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment. Today, Nash is healthy and enjoys playing sports and spending time with family and friends.   

The parent council expressed sincere thanks to Quehl’s Restaurant for its significant contribution to the event. They also thanked the Shakespeare Optimist Club for providing the hall and assisting with setup and cleanup.

Generous sponsors included Saputo, The Butcher Barn, Flanagan's, Sysco, Morton's Food Service, New Hamburg Sobeys, Fresh Start, Stone Town Supplies, New Hamburg No Frills, Stratford Zehrs, S.T.O.P. Restaurant Supply and Chicopee Tube Park.

The entire Shakespeare community looks forward to the day when Carter can return to school and once again take part in the activities he loves. With continued encouragement and support from the school and community, the hope is this journey will be made a little easier for Carter and his family.