Carter's Story
A life full of humor, heart, and unstoppable strength.
Carter J. Veilleux
Growing up, Carter was all spunk, mischief, and energy. He was the kid who was always moving, always talking, and always making someone laugh. He had a smile that made you pause—never quite sure what he was about to say, but certain it would be funny.
Carter loved being outside, being active, and being around people. He had a playful determination about him that showed up in everything he did—a spirit that would later carry him through long hospital nights, physical therapy sessions, and treatments that would break most adults.
Home, Family, & Hockey
Carter lived in Winchendon with his mom, dad, and older brother. He attended Murdock Middle School, where he joined student council and played baseball. But hockey was his world.
Carter started skating at just two years old and never stopped loving the game. He played on the Sting travel team, and in 2020 and 2022, his team took home the Peewee Championship title. When he wasn’t at the rink, he was outside with his brother, shooting pucks at the net and practicing his favorite move—going bar down.
Carter dreamed of playing in the NHL someday, and knowing him, he would have chased that dream with everything he had.
When Carter was 12 years old, our world changed.
He was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer.
When Everything Changed
Carter was treated at Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber.
In less than a year, he endured three surgeries, several types of chemotherapy, and radiation.
He spent more time in the hospital than at home—but somehow, he showed up to each stay with bravery, stubborn strength, and that familiar little smirk that told you he was about to crack a joke.
The Fight He Never Let Define Him
In late October of his 7th-grade year, Carter was diagnosed with stage IV ARMS.
Upon diagnosis, the doctors told us that the cancer had already spread throughout his body, and tumors on his spine caused him to lose the ability to walk.
He underwent surgery to remove the tumors, only for them to return five days later. After a second surgery, he began emergency chemotherapy. The treatment slowed things down and gave us time—but not enough.
In June 2022, just two days before his 13th birthday, Carter had another surgery to remove a tumor from his spine. The cancer was spreading. His vision began to slowly blur and he started on a different chemotherapy and more radiation.
ARMS is relentless. Carter fought with extraordinary courage until the very end.
Carter passed away in September 2023, just after starting 8th grade.
How Carter Chose to Live
Through everything, Carter never talked about his cancer. He didn’t want to know the details, and he didn’t want anyone treating him differently.
He went to school when he could. He did his classwork. He cheered on his teammates from the sidelines.
Carter just wanted to live his life—and he fought with everything he had, right until the very end.
Carter's Heart
Carter loved his friends.
He loved being around people
and making sure everyone felt at ease.
He was the kid who checked in on others,
who made people laugh when things felt heavy,
and who brought out a playful side in everyone around him.
He was determined, caring, quick-witted,
and truly one of a kind.
We will always remember Carter for
his laugh,
his humor,
and his huge heart—
the kind of heart that
stayed brave and full of love,
even in the
hardest moments
anyone
could imagine.