Members of Bachelor Nation have rallied around former lead Katie Thurston as she battles cancer.
“Life update: I have breast cancer,” Thurston, 34, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 15, revealing how she and fiancé Jeff Arcuri spent their Valentine’s Day. “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.”
She added, “This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.”
Thurston has yet to learn specific details about her cancer’s stage.
Katie Thurston Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: ‘Ready to Fight This’
“Getting another biopsy on my lymph node, which will tell me more,” she wrote via Instagram Stories. “I once did a 23andMe [DNA test] and was informed I did not have the BRCA gene. I’ll be doing updated genetic testing soon to know for sure. My family doesn’t have a history of breast cancer.”
In the comments of Thurston’s initial post, many of her former reality TV peers shared their best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery.
“Love you, friend. Here for you,” FBoy Island creator Elan Gale, who previously produced The Bachelor and Bachelorette, wrote. (Thurston appeared on all three shows before she started dating Arcuri in 2024.)
Keep scrolling to see how other members of Bachelor Nation shared their support:
Kaitlyn Bristowe
Bristowe asked in the Instagram comments section if there was “anything” she could do for Thurston.
“I’m texting you now,” she added.
Days later, Bristowe shared an emotional tribute to Thurston alongside a photo of the twosome.
“I got to spend a lot of quality time with Katie. She’s someone who is always honest, compassionate, funny, and only gives out F’s if they matter,” Bristowe wrote via her Instagram Story. “This woman has always supported me and I love her. She’s a fighter and she will get through her battle with breast cancer. I love you Katie. We are all praying for you @thekatiethurston.”
Sarah Herron
“You got this, Katie. There is a whole world of friends and breasties who are going to lift you through this,” Herron said. “We all will. For now, praying for peace and determination for you and your family.”
Clare Crawley
Crawley, also a former franchise lead, sent Thurston a “big hug and so many prayers” for strength.
“I’m so sorry Katie, you are a warrior of a woman,” Crawley wrote. “Here for you, always.”
JoJo Fletcher
“I’m so so sorry, Sending you love and prayers Katie 
,” Fletcher said.
Andi Dorfman
Dorfman also sent her encouragement.
“Sending you so much love and strength,” she penned. “You are an absolute hero for sharing this and spreading the word to help others! You’ll be in my prayers! You got this 
.”
Justin Glaze
Glaze appeared on Thurston’s season and noted via Instagram comment that he was “sending [her] love and prayers.”
Mikey Planeta
Planeta was also one of Thurston’s suitors.
“Praying for God’s healing all throughout your body. Praying that God gives the doctors the wisdom to target exactly where the cancer is and to administer the treatment needed without any complications,” he wrote. “Praying for your mind and peace, that each day you’re filled with strength and courage. Praying you know how loved and supported you are by everyone in your circle. You have the fighter spirit in you and you are going to beat this! Do not hesitate to reach out to any of your friends, family or following, we are all here for you and you’re so loved!”
Emily Maynard
Maynard shared a prayer for both Thurston and Arcuri.
“I’m so sorry. I’m praying for you and your husband ,” Maynard said. “You’re going to be such a blessing to so many other women through this. Sending you so much love!”
Susie Evans
“I am so sorry Katie. Sending you love and prayers. Here for you always,” Evans commented.
Thomas Jacobs
Jacobs, another one of Thurston’s castoffs, said, “You’ve got this!” in his reply.
Jenn Tran
“Love you you’re one of the strongest people I know!! Sending so much love to you,” Tran added.
Andrew Spencer
“Katie, hate this for you,” Spencer, who also appeared on Thurston’s season, replied. “Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
