Katie Thurston, a well-known alum of Bachelor Nation, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The 34-year-old, who first appeared as a contestant on The Bachelor’s 25th season before leading season 17 of The Bachelorette, shared the news in a heartfelt “life update” on Saturday, Feb. 15. She expressed gratitude for her fiancé, comedian Jeff Arcuri, and affirmed that she is “ready to fight this.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Thurston posted two photos of herself smiling along with a lengthy caption. She opened with the statement, “Life update: I have breast cancer.”
Reflecting on Valentine’s Day, she wrote, “Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentines Day celebrations. I felt envious if I’m being honest.” She explained that instead of enjoying a romantic getaway with Arcuri, she had to shift her focus to medical necessities. “Jeff took me to Hawaii and after, we were going to travel the world before planting roots together in NYC finally. But instead, my Vday was spent coordinating a place to live as I have to go back to LA for more testing and treatment.”
Instead of celebrating the holiday, Thurston found herself navigating logistics related to her healthcare. “Used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting conditions,” she shared. “I scheduled appointments for another biopsy, fertility, mental health, surgery, as well as meeting with my team to discuss the overall treatment plan, which will include chemo.”
She revealed that her diagnosis came two weeks prior and that she had been processing a whirlwind of emotions. “Despair. Anger. Sadness. Denial. And then strength,” she wrote. “Purposeful. Ready. I cried a lot. I tried to even make a video instead of this post and couldn’t.”
Determined to be a source of support for others, she added, “But one thing I did early on was search [for] other stories like mine. Other young women with breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma. Mastectomy. Pregnancy after breast cancer. All of their stories helped. So I intend to be the same for others.”
Acknowledging that this is just the beginning of her journey, she wrote, “This is day one of sharing and is going to be a long one. This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.”
She concluded the post with a heartfelt message to her fiancé, calling him her “extraordinary husband to be” and saving her deepest gratitude for him. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you,” she wrote. “The selfless love that you smother me in is beyond anything I imagined I’d be blessed with. I love you to the fullest in this lifetime and the next. 🤍.”
Following her announcement, Thurston received an outpouring of love and support from Bachelor Nation alumni. Jade Roper encouraged her, writing, “Sending you all my love during this time, Katie. Cancer doesn’t know who they’re dealing with, you got this. ❤️❤️❤️.” Kaitlyn Bristowe also reached out, commenting, “Katie omg I love you please can I do anything for you? I’m texting you now.”
Clare Crawley added her support, writing, “I’m so sorry Katie, you are a warrior of a woman and I’m sending you a big hug and so many prayers for your strength. ❤️ here for you always.”
