Katie Thurston, a former contestant on The Bachelor and star of The Bachelorette season 17, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 34-year-old shared the news on Instagram, describing her emotional journey and affirming that she is “ready to fight this.”
In her post, Thurston opened up about her initial feelings following the diagnosis, saying she experienced a range of emotions such as despair, anger, sadness, and denial before ultimately feeling a sense of strength and purpose. She also shared that her Valentine’s Day plans with her fiancé, comedian Jeff Arcuri, had to be altered due to her medical needs.
Rather than spending the day celebrating, Thurston spent her morning arranging living arrangements, organizing insurance matters, and scheduling multiple appointments for additional biopsies, fertility consultations, mental health support, and surgery—all in preparation for an upcoming treatment plan, which will include chemotherapy.
Thurston’s diagnosis came two weeks before her announcement, and she described how she turned to others’ stories of young women facing similar battles with breast cancer. She is committed to sharing her journey with others and providing support to those experiencing the same challenges.
In closing, Thurston expressed her deep gratitude for Arcuri, calling him her “extraordinary husband to be” and thanking him for his unwavering support during this difficult time. “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.”
Her emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from fellow Bachelor Nation stars, including Jade Roper, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Clare Crawley. Fans and alumni alike have offered their encouragement and love, rallying behind Thurston as she begins this difficult journey.
Roper expressed her admiration with a heartfelt message, saying, “Sending you all my love during this time, Katie. Cancer doesn’t know who they’re dealing with, you got this.”
Bristowe also reached out with, “Katie omg I love you please can I do anything for you? I’m texting you now.”
Crawley added, “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.”
Thurston’s strength and resilience, coupled with the support of her loved ones, continue to inspire many as she embarks on this tough journey ahead.