Katie Thurston proved her bravery once in her quest to publicly find love on The Bachelor when she competed for Matt James’ attention and instantly became a fan favorite. She got a second chance at romance when she headed The Bachelorette’s Season 17. Thurston is a person who has been open and honest with fans about various aspects of her life, but no one expected her to make a public statement about her health.
On Feb. 15, Thurston took to Instagram to share an update with her 694,000 fans. She posted a black and white photo of herself raising her hand to the camera and a second snap that showed her smiling (and you can see her massive diamond engagement ring). But this was not another post about her happiness or her journey to find love (which she has, as she recently got engaged to Jeff Arcuri). Nope, this post was to inform fans that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she intends to approach her diagnosis with that same fighting spirit fans have come to know and love.
“Yesterday I saw all the couples post their Valentines Day celebrations. I felt envious if I’m being honest,” she wrote in the caption. “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. I used my morning to figure out insurance for NYC and laws on preexisting conditions. 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.”
Katie Thurston Makes Powerful Statement About Why She’s Sharing Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis
She went on to inform fans that she has experienced many emotions since learning her diagnosis, and these range from despair to strength. She also let fans know that she had initially planned to create a video for them, but she felt she was not up to the task. However, she acknowledged the importance of sharing her story with other women, which is why she is speaking out! “So I intend to be the same for others. This is day one of sharing and is going to be a long one,” she shared. “This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.”
She finished her message with a tribute to her Arcuri, whom she called her “extraordinary husband to be,” and thanked him for his love and support during this challenging time.
Fans have reacted to the post with messages of support but also with their own stories of breast cancer and how they overcame it. “You will beat this,” one positive individual shared. “Katie hate this for you keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,” another comment reads. Bachelor alums have also flocked to the comment section of the post, including The Bachelorette star Jenn Tran, who wrote, “Love you you’re one of the strongest people I know!! Sending so much love to you.”
It’s clear that Katie Thurston has many people rooting for her during this unimaginably difficult time!
