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Katie Thurston announced at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual luncheon that she currently has no evidence of disease. She also spoke about her stage IV breast cancer diagnosis in 2025 and invited attendees to pledge donations to research.
Katie Thurston announced at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual luncheon in New York that she currently has no evidence of disease, after telling attendees she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2025. The former Bachelorette appeared with her husband, comedian Jeff Arcuri, and used the event to encourage donations to breast cancer research.
Thurston, 35, introduced herself to the luncheon audience by saying, “My name is Katie, I’m 35 years old, and I have stage IV breast cancer,” ELLE reported. She became visibly emotional as she described having to put wedding planning and other parts of her life on hold after her diagnosis to focus on treatment. The source does not provide further details about her treatment or the medical basis for her current status.
During a donation appeal, Thurston said she would give $610, representing the number of days since her diagnosis, according to the report. She and Arcuri invited attendees to text donation pledges through a number shown on screens at the event. Thurston then shared that she currently has no evidence of disease, prompting applause from the audience.
The luncheon also included an announcement of a $50 million commitment from philanthropists Karen and Rob Hale to BCRF. The foundation’s president and CEO, Donna McKay, presented the couple with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award. ELLE described the commitment as the largest private gift ever given to breast cancer research.
Thurston’s Update Meets a Research Appeal
Thurston’s announcement put a personal update about a serious cancer diagnosis at the center of an event dedicated to funding research. Her account may help readers understand the uncertainty and disruption that can follow a diagnosis, while the donation appeal linked the event’s public attention to support for research. Her statement about having no evidence of disease is her reported current status; it does not establish that she is cured or that her cancer cannot return.
The event also highlighted the scale of private funding directed toward breast cancer research. The $50 million gift from Karen and Rob Hale was presented as a major contribution to BCRF’s work. The source reports the foundation’s funding and research reach, but does not specify how the new gift will be allocated or which projects it will support.
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The BCRF Luncheon and Its Mission
The gathering took place at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to ELLE. The annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon recognized breast cancer researchers and included presentations of grants to more than 200 recipients. Before the luncheon, BCRF held a symposium on how research into early-onset breast cancer can inform care and understanding for women of all ages.
William Lauder, chairman of Estée Lauder’s board and son of BCRF founder Evelyn Lauder, spoke about the foundation’s development since it was established in 1993. He said BCRF supports a record 280 scientists, including three Nobel Prize winners, and cited a 44 percent decline in breast cancer deaths. Those figures and the claim about the foundation’s role in major breakthroughs were reported as Lauder’s remarks at the event.
BCRF describes itself as the largest private funder of breast cancer research. ELLE reported that the foundation has raised more than $1 billion and has supported over 260 scientists. The source gives those figures as background; it does not detail the time periods or counting methods behind each measure.
““My name is Katie, I’m 35 years old, and I have stage IV breast cancer.””
— Katie Thurston, as quoted by ELLE
Medical Details Still Not Public
ELLE’s report does not explain what “no evidence of disease” means in Thurston’s specific medical case, when that assessment was made, or what tests or treatment led to it. The phrase should not be treated as a declaration of a cure. Thurston’s ongoing care, prognosis and future treatment plans were not described in the source.
The report also does not provide a detailed breakdown of the $50 million gift, the terms of the commitment, or how it will be distributed among research programs. It does not state the total amount pledged through the event’s text campaign.
Research Funding and Further Updates
BCRF’s grant recipients and research programs are the next public-facing part of the event’s work. More information about how the Hales’ commitment will be used, and the projects it will support, may come from the foundation. No specific funding schedule or research milestones were included in ELLE’s report.
Thurston’s statement gives readers an update on her status at the time of the luncheon, but the source does not announce a future interview, treatment milestone or additional public appearance. Any further information about her health would need to come from Thurston or her representatives.
Key Questions
What did Katie Thurston announce at the BCRF luncheon?
Thurston said she currently has no evidence of disease. She also told the audience she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in 2025.
When was Katie Thurston diagnosed?
Thurston said her diagnosis came in 2025. The source report does not provide a specific diagnosis date.
Does “no evidence of disease” mean Thurston is cured?
The report does not say that. It reports her current statement and gives no clinical details, so it should not be interpreted as confirmation of a cure.
What was the $50 million announcement?
Philanthropists Karen and Rob Hale committed $50 million to BCRF. ELLE described it as the largest private gift ever given to breast cancer research.
Where was the BCRF luncheon held?
The annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon took place at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, according to ELLE.
Source: rss
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