'Bachelor' Alum Kelsey Anderson Rocks Breast Cancer Awareness Outfit Dedicated To Her Mom
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on October 23, 2024 at 10:15 AM EDT
In a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Bachelor Nation's Kelsey Anderson wore a pink breast cancer awareness outfit, raising awareness for the cause.
Anderson’s mother, Denise, tragically passed away in 2018 after a rapid battle with breast cancer that had spread to her bones within just a few months, which she opened up about during her time on "The Bachelor" season 28, where her journey ended with an engagement to lead Joey Graziadei.
Kelsey Anderson’s powerful fashion statement serves as a reminder of her mother’s legacy and her commitment to raising breast cancer awareness.
Kelsey Anderson's Mom Passed Away From Breast Cancer In 2018
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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kelsey Anderson is doing everything she can to speak out about the cause and remind women to get checked.
“[My mom] initially got diagnosed because she found a lump in her armpit when she was doing a self-exam," she told Us Weekly. "She went in and she got it checked. They said it was fine. It wasn’t anything. She had this gut feeling and was like, ‘I just want it removed if it’s not supposed to be there.’ She ended up having stage three and stage four breast cancer."
The Bachelor Nation Alum Says Early Detection Is 'Really Important'
The 26-year-old went on to explain how important it is to trust your intuition and how self-breast examinations can save lives.
"I think that early detection and also trusting your intuition and your instincts of your body is really important," she said, encouraging everyone to make sure they do self-breast examinations and regularly see an OBGYN.
“I’ve actually had two lumpectomies that I’ve had tested, and they were both benign, thankfully,” she told the outlet. “I think that early detection saves lives and that’s why I love F-ck Cancer and what they’re standing for — making sure that people understand how to do self-exams and the importance of them and how they save lives.”
Kelsey Anderson Supports Breast Cancer Awareness With 'DWTS' Outfit
While cheering on her fiancé, Joey Graziadei, on "Dancing With the Stars," Kelsey used both her platform and her appearance in the show's audience to advocate for breast cancer awareness. Ahead of the live show, she posted a TikTok video highlighting her outfit—a pink silk ensemble adorned with a small breast cancer awareness ribbon on the chest—transforming her fashion choice into a meaningful statement for the cause.
"Hey everyone, this is my outfit of the night for 'Dancing With the Stars,'" she began. "It is in honor of my mom, Denise Anderson, and breast cancer awareness month."
"I just wanted to remind you guys of the importance of self-exams and your yearly mammograms," she added. "Early detection saves lives, so if you find a bump, a lump, something that looks a little different, make sure you go in, get it checked out."
Kelsey later told her fans and followers to make sure to "do your shower exams.""They are very easy, very simple, they take minimal time," she said. "Early detection saves lives, so I just wanted to remind you guys."
Kelsey Anderson Says She Received A Ton Of Messages From Bachelor Nation
After opening up about her mom's death on "The Bachelor," Kelsey says she received so many messages from viewers, which "breaks [her[ heart a little to know how many people resonate with [her] story."
“With the show, I got so many messages about people that related to my story,” the 26-year-old told Us Weekly. “It is something that I wish that no one had to relate to. But I also think people find comfort in hearing stories that are similar to theirs and seeing someone be able to find light in it."
She added, "My mom was somebody who was very positive and always found light in any situation, even whenever she was going through all these rounds of chemo and radiation and she was very sick.”
Kelsey Anderson Teams Up With Little Words Project
The reality TV personality teamed up with F-ck Cancer and Little Words Project for a special pop-up event at their Bleecker Street location in Soho, New York City. Attendees will have the opportunity to bead and purchase bracelets alongside Anderson, with proceeds supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“I felt a lot of weight on figuring out a word that could have encompassed my mom [and] watching somebody go through cancer treatments and fighting through it and all of these things,” she told Us. “And I didn’t wanna come up with a cliche word like, you know, fighter or strength. I wanted to do something a little bit different. I came up with the word ‘always’ in honor of my mom because my mom will always be with me.”
In addition, she designed an exclusive bracelet that will be available from October 23 to 25, with all sales contributing to the cause.