SAN ANTONIO – Drag performer Kristi Waters took to social media to say she has been diagnosed with stage three cancer, prompting her to stop performing for the time being.
Waters said she is stepping away from performing to focus on her chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“This isn’t goodbye forever — it’s just a temporary pause," Waters said in an Instagram post.
KSAT’s Courtney Friedman sat down with Waters on Thursday to discuss the difficult decision she had to make for her health.
“I had a surgery back in May, and they removed an abscess that I had, and underneath, they found a mass, Waters told KSAT. “I was working through the pain and the struggle of everything without trying to let anybody know what was going on.”
The well-known performer, who has been captivating audiences in San Antonio for 14 years, told KSAT that while she has been pushing through the pain, she now needs to prioritize her health as she prepares for recovery.
When asked why she kept working every day through pain, she said through tears, “I didn’t want to let anyone down.”
She realized she had never done so once she saw the endless responses to her post.
“There’s been more love and support than I’ve ever seen before for something that I’ve ever done,” she told KSAT.
That’s saying a lot since Waters performs almost every day, sometimes as many as six times a day.
“Besides the treatments and all of that, I feel like the hardest part is leaving something that I love so much,” she said, full of emotion.
That’s why Waters still plans to help with behind-the-scenes work.
“I do background stuff and schedules for the shows and flyers, mixes, video, artwork,” Waters said.
Waters said she will never stop being herself, regardless of the challenges ahead.
That’s an especially important message during Pride Month, she said.
“Of all of the times for something like this to happen!” Waters laughed. “Especially to know that the community can come together and stand up for each other, especially in a time that we need it the most.”
Waters will perform 13 more shows before starting her treatment.
This weekend, Waters has brunch and evening shows at the bar “Let’s Be Honest” on Main Avenue.
Her big goodbye show will take place on July 5, and then fans can stay connected with her on her Instagram and TikTok pages.
For more on Waters’ journey, hear her story during the 6 O’Clock News on Friday, June 20.
