Maritime hockey is known for fierce competition on the ice but the close-knit community has come together in support of a young player recently diagnosed with cancer.
Carter Myra is a defenceman for the U16 AAA Martello Buccaneers in Halifax. On his 16th birthday, he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma – a rare type of cancer affects children by stimulating cell growth in bone or soft tissue.
“I’m trying not to think of it as cancer and just as like it’s another sickness. I’m going to get better so just got to like kind of wait it out and be strong,” said Carter.
Carter’s parents said they thought hockey and training were causing their son’s pain when it started.
“As a parent of an athlete it’s an eye opener for all other parents when your child’s not well or not healing like normal circumstances, you know, dig deeper,” said Craig Myra, Carter’s father.
“I have to credit my wife because she’s always dug deeper, and now we know what the battle is and we’re going to tackle it that way.”
Carter’s team has been very supportive. Some of the Buccaneers shaved their heads to support him in his battle.
“I love our team, we’re great, they’ve just all been there for me, sending me videos, checking in on me, and I know they all love their hair so them all cutting their hair for me, it means a lot,” said Carter.
A charity hockey game is scheduled for Carter on Friday, with players from the Buccaneers and the Halifax Macs and Gulls taking part. A GoFundMe was also set up to raise funds for the treatment.
“I see all these pictures and posts. Some people I’m not even super close with them and they got their head shaved for me, and just like these massive groups, it’s just great,” Carter said.
Carter’s father said the support has been overwhelming.
“Hockey’s become a huge part of our lives over the last ten years, and with everything going on now, having the hockey community wrap their arms around Carter and us as a family means the world to us,” said Craig.
With so many people cheering him on, Carter is feeling optimistic.
“Hopefully in ten months or so I’ll be cancer-free,” said Carter.
“I’ll be back better than ever in no time.”
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