A member of the University of Kentucky dance team died of a rare form of bone cancer at just 20 years old, leaving the school community to mourn the loss.
Kate Kaufling died Sunday after battling osteosarcoma for more than nine months, school officials announced.
The sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky, was just 20 years old. He is survived by his parents, Holly and Steve Kaufling, and his twin sister, Abbey Kaufling.
Kate, a College of Nursing student, joined the dance team in the fall of 2023 with her sister, Abbey.
‘Kate was a pleasure to coach and be around her. Her smile could light up a room and all of her UKDT teammates loved her,” said varsity dance team head coach Dawn Walters.
Kate Kaufling, a member of the University of Kentucky dance team, died of a rare form of bone cancer at just 20 years old, leaving the school community to mourn the loss.
Kate Kaufling died Sunday after bravely battling osteosarcoma for more than nine months, school officials announced. Pictured: Kate, who just finished seven months of chemotherapy treatments, hugged by her family in January.
Kate (pictured circled in red), a College of Nursing student, joined the dance team in fall 2023 with her sister, Abbey.
Kate was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that primarily affects children, adolescents and young adults, in June 2023.
Her family friend, Tina Ladegast, launched a GoFundMe campaignwhich has raised more than $90,000.
A PET scan determined that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body and he had no choice but to begin chemotherapy treatments, according to Ladegast.
“I have watched her in awe as she cracks jokes and maintains a happy, cheerful disposition despite the struggle she faces,” Ladegast wrote.
In a video shared to Kate’s Instagram in January, the 20-year-old dancer can be seen ringing the doorbell to celebrate the end of her chemotherapy.
At the time, he had just finished seven months of intense chemotherapy treatments, which included numerous hospitalizations, he said.
She wrote while sharing the video: ‘Being the perfectionist that I am, I refused to post about this before. Because it would show my true weaknesses that I hate letting people see.
‘2023 was not even close to the year I had in mind. My plans to return to the UK with my best friends to dance and start nursing school had taken an unexpected turn.’
In her post she announced the end of chemotherapy and expressed her gratitude to her friends and loved ones who did not treat her differently despite her illness.
‘Cancer is a curse that I do not wish on any human being, but it did change my vision of life. Hold on to your loved ones as much as you can. Those hugs might be the only thing that makes you feel safe right now.
“Today I am proud to share that I am officially done with chemotherapy and ready to start a better chapter of my life,” she wrote.
Kate was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that primarily affects children, teenagers and young adults, in June 2023. Pictured: Kate, right, and her twin sister Abbey, left.
A PET scan determined the cancer had spread to other parts of his body last year and he had no choice but to start chemotherapy treatments.
Executive Associate Director of Athletics Sandy Bell said Kate was also an “incredible student” who took her academics seriously.
He died just 12 weeks later, the University of Kentucky announced in a heartbreaking statement to its students and faculty.
‘We will remember her for the tough battle she fought against osteosarcoma last year. She was brave to the end and all of us can be inspired by the brave battle she fought,” Walters wrote.
Executive Associate Director of Athletics Sandy Bell said Kate was also an “incredible student” who took her academics seriously.
‘Even during her cancer treatments, Kate continued with her studies, setting an amazing example for her teammates. “Kate was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed,” Bell said.