Hi, my name is Alyssa and I’m fundraising for my husband, Sebastynn Bartlett. We are a young family of three — Sebastynn is 20, I’m 19, and we have a beautiful 6-month-old daughter.

Sebastynn recently went to MEPS with hopes of joining the National Guard, but during his medical exam, they found a 2.5 cm lump on his neck. What we thought would be a simple check turned into something life-changing. After further tests and blood work, he was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and sent for an ultrasound.

We were told not to worry — nodules are common with Hashimoto’s — but the ultrasound showed blood flow and bright spots, raising concern. A biopsy followed, and we received devastating news: Sebastynn has a malignant (Bethesda Category V) thyroid nodule.

He now needs surgery to remove his entire thyroid, followed by a full pathology report to determine the type and stage of cancer. If it has spread or can’t be fully removed, he will require radiation therapy. He’ll also need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

To make things harder, just one week before his biopsy, Sebastynn was laid off — along with 12 others — and lost his health insurance. While he now has a new job, the insurance will take time to go into effect, and the surgery and treatment can’t wait. Unfortunately, insurance won’t cover everything, and we’re already facing significant medical bills.

As a young couple trying to provide a stable, loving home for our baby girl, this has been overwhelming emotionally and financially. Any support — no matter how small — will help us get through this.

Please consider donating or sharing our story. We are deeply grateful for your kindness during this time.

With love,

Alyssa, Sebastynn & our daughter