A former lead from “The Bachelorette” just went public to share the life-changing medical news she recently received. Season 17 star Katie Thurston revealed she has breast cancer.
Bachelor Nation fans and alums quickly flooded the comment section of her Instagram post announcement with love and support.
Many of Thurston’s season’s men, including some of her former frontrunners, left notes of encouragement.
A Frontrunner From Katie Thurston’s Season Reassured Her That She’s ‘Got This!’
On February 15, Thurston shared the news of her cancer diagnosis on her Instagram page. “Life update: I have breast cancer,” she wrote.
Thurston explained what she has been doing privately over the past couple of weeks since receiving her diagnosis. She also noted that she has been reading stories of others who have gone through a similar experience to hers. “All of their stories helped,” she noted.
Now, Thurston added, “I intend to be the same for others… This first step of acceptance of my reality was the hardest. But I am ready to fight this.”
Michael Allio, a frontrunner of Thurston’s who decided to leave to return to be with his son, wrote, “If anyone can beat this it’s you! Sending love to you both. You got this!!! “
Allio’s comment may have been especially meaningful to Thurston, given what he went through in losing his first wife. Allio’s wife Laura died of breast cancer in 2019.
As Us Weekly noted, he joined “The Bachelorette” two years after his wife’s death.
Laura Allio was diagnosed with breast cancer, which is what Thurston has as well. Allio received her diagnosis in 2017 and died in 2019.
Bachelor Nation Has ‘The Bachelorette’ Star’s Back
One of the first Bachelor Nation alums to comment on Thurston’s post was Thomas Jacobs. He was cast as a “villain” on Thurston’s season and eliminated early. He found his redemption on “Bachelor in Paradise” and is now married to former “Bachelorette” Becca Kufrin.
Jacobs wrote, “You’ve got this! 🫶🏽”
Andrew Spencer, who was eliminated just before Thurston’s hometown dates, commented, “Katie hate this for you keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
Justin Glaze, the runner-up to Blake Moynes at Thurston’s final rose ceremony, wrote, “Sending you love and prayers Katie.”
Mikey Planeta was also eliminated right before hometowns. He left a lengthy comment on Thurston’s post.
He wrote, “Praying for Gods healing all throughout your body. Praying that God gives the doctors the wisdom to target exactly where the cancer is to administer the treatment needed without any complications. Praying for your mind and peace, that each day you’re filled with strength and courage.”
Planeta continued, “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!”
Another suitor from Thurston’s season, Aaron Clancy, added, “Sending love your way Katie.”
The men from Thurston’s season of “The Bachelorette” weren’t the only Bachelor Nation alums to send her their love. Others such as Jesse Palmer, Kufrin, Jenn Tran, Joey Graziadei, Susie Evans, Emily Maynard, Kaity Biggar, Ashley Iaconetti, and many more commented on Thurston’s post with support, too.
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‘Bachelorette’s’ Ex Reacts to Her Life-Changing News