Help Karyn Heal from Thyroid Cancer & Stay Strong for Her Family

In early April, Karyn Bond—one of the most vibrant, big-hearted people I've known since childhood—was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. A second opinion confirmed the diagnosis, and further imaging has shown that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes on the right side of her neck.

Karyn is currently deciding between two highly respected surgical teams: one at the world-renowned City of Hope and the other led by Dr. Michael Yeh at UCLA, a widely regarded expert in endocrine surgery. Although rare, potential surgical complications could affect Karyn’s quality of life. Her decision will come down to where she feels safest and most supported to achieve the best possible outcome. Choosing the right team and approach meaningfully improves the odds of protecting Karyn’s voice and physical abilities—both of which matter deeply as she continues caring for her 6-year-old son, Atlas, and supporting her parents each day.

After surgery, Karyn’s treatment plan includes radioactive iodine (RAI), a targeted therapy used to eliminate remaining thyroid cancer cells. During this process, Karyn will need to isolate away from Atlas and her parents for 5–7 days in an Airbnb, which will be especially difficult given how closely she is involved in daily caregiving and home life. Karyn has raised Atlas on her own and has been his sole provider—handling everything from his care and health to the finances—with constant devotion. This isolation period is only one part of a challenging process and underscores how much practical support will be needed to help everything remain stable while Karyn focuses on healing.

Healing and the Establishment of Long-term Health

Surgery is essential, but it is only one part of a larger health plan. To stay strong and resilient through treatment and recovery, Karyn is also pursuing evidence-based integrative therapies to support her immune system and help her body and mind recover.

This proactive approach has already provided important insight. More comprehensive lab testing through her functional doctor identified an underlying condition of Hashimoto’s disease—information that will be important as Karyn works toward long-term stability, especially after thyroid removal. Continued coordination between her functional doctors and her standard medical team is intended to support a more complete view of her health and guide the best decisions moving forward.

How this GoFundMe will Help

Karyn’s responsibilities extend well beyond appointments and recovery. She keeps the household running, and support will help ensure that the day-to-day needs of her home and family remain steady while she heals.

Support for caregiving:

Integrative healing therapies (not covered by insurance):

Who Karyn Is

Karyn has always been the person who makes others feel safe, seen, and supported. Since childhood, she has been the kind of friend who shows up—consistently, generously, and without needing to be asked. She is the fun, caring mom whose home is filled with warmth and laughter, and she pours everything she has into creating a joyful, secure life for Atlas. She also plays a central role in supporting her parents each day, carrying responsibilities that many people never see—but that keep a family functioning.

Now Karyn needs that same kind of steady support around her.

Let’s Raise Her Up

Karyn is approaching this with courage and determination. She is doing the research, asking the right questions, and making careful decisions with the goal of the best possible outcome. Supporting her now means giving her the ability to focus on healing while ensuring that Atlas and her parents continue to have what they need day to day.

Thank you for your support, generosity, and care. Every contribution helps, and every message of encouragement matters.

(If you prefer to give directly to Karyn: Venmo @Karyn-Bond-1)