July 29, 2021 • bachelor insider
Katie Thurston Opens Up About Undergoing a Lumpectomy at Age 20
Katie Thurston revealed that she underwent a lumpectomy operation at age 20 following a cancer scare.
“I often get questions about my scar,” the Season 17 Bachelorette, now 30, wrote in a Tuesday Instagram Story post, accompanied by a photo highlighting a mark on her chest. “It’s from a lumpectomy after finding a lump in my breast. Because I was only 20, I discovered this on my own.”
Katie went on to explain why it’s important for people — especially young women — to advocate for their own health.
“Typically women don’t get routine mammograms until their 40s, so it’s important to be your biggest advocate when it comes to your own personal health,” she added.
Katie then shared information about beloved “Bachelorette” castoff Michael Allio’s foundation, The L4 Project, which he created after his wife, Laura, died in 2019 from breast cancer.
“I want to take this moment and highlight @TheL4Project which @Michael_AllioL4 has founded as a way to carry on Laura’s legacy,” she wrote, accompanied by a white heart emoji.
As Katie explained on her Story, The L4 Project’s mission is “to enrich the lives of people and families battling cancer by supporting organizations that provide financial, experiential, emotional and other assistance during times of hardship.”
Learn more about The L4 Project here.
