Kathy Bates, known for her powerful performances in Misery, Primary Colors, American Horror Story, and Richard Jewell, has not only won awards for her acting but also admiration for her courage in facing severe health challenges. Now 75, Bates is a two-time cancer survivor who has battled ovarian and breast cancer, enduring a double mastectomy in 2012. Following this, she faced lymphedema, an incurable lymphatic disease that causes painful swelling, typically in the arms and hands, due to the removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatment
Despite these struggles, Bates uses her platform to raise awareness, calling her ability to help others a “blessing.” She told Kelly Clarkson that while her initial diagnosis devastated her, connecting with a lymphedema specialist transformed her perspective. “I was bitter, I was depressed. I thought my career was over,” Bates confessed. Yet, her specialist gave her hope, saying, “That’s all in the past, and now you’re going to begin the rest of your life.” Inspired by this support, Bates found resilience and began advocating for others facing lymphedema.
Bates now serves as the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). She has shared that lymphedema affects about 10 million people in the U.S., more than ALS, muscular dystrophy, MS, Parkinson’s, and AIDS combined, yet it remains under-recognized. She encourages patients to seek a proper diagnosis, noting that lymphedema is often overlooked, particularly in patients dismissed because of their weight or other biases.
Through treatments, compression sleeves, and support, Bates manages her symptoms while actively working to improve awareness and resources for others. She emphasizes that people need to advocate for their health and not settle for dismissive responses. Her advocacy underscores the importance of awareness, especially for a condition that doctors frequently overlook, leaving many patients misdiagnosed or untreated.
In recent years, Bates has found solace in helping others with lymphedema, a journey she sees as part of her life’s purpose. She shared, “I didn’t want to have cancer… and I really don’t want to have lymphedema… [but] I feel blessed because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be in a position to use my celebrity to do something that can maybe help people.” Most recently starring in The Miracle Club (2023), Bates exemplifies resilience and the power of channeling personal hardship into advocacy and hope for others.