University of Kentucky Dancer Kate Kaufling Loses Cancer Battle

The University of Kentucky community is mourning the loss of one of their own. Kate Kaufling, a sophomore and a member of the UK dance team, lost her battle with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, on Sunday, March 31. She was 20 years old.

Kaufling and her twin sister, Abbey, joined the dance team in the fall of last year. Following Kate's death, Abbey posted a heartfelt message to her sister on Instagram, writing, "My heart is in pieces having to write this. My sweet Kate, you were my person. You were my safe space in human form. Anyone who knew Kate truly knows the beautiful soul she was. There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t bring up one of the a million ways Kate lit up every room she walked in."

"Kate and I spent every minute of our lives together," her sister continued. "From going on Kate's first date with her to sitting on the floor talking while she showered, we couldn't be separated. Even from Lexington, there was not a day that me and Kate didn't Facetime at least 30 times. I would do anything to answer one more Facetime call from her. As I sit here today, I ask myself how I am supposed to go on without my twin sister, maid of honor, and soulmate doing all the things with me. But I will for you, Kate. I promise to wake up every day and live my life for you, Kate."

"As heartbroken as I am right now, I can say I have the best guardian angel in all of heaven. I can't wait to squeeze you forever again one day. You and me forever, Kate," she posted alongside a gallery of photos of the sisters throughout their lives.

The UK Dance Team head coach, Dawn Walters, shared in a statement posted to the University of Kentucky Athletics site, "Kate was a joy to coach and to be around. Her smile could light up a room and she was beloved by all of her UKDT teammates."

"We are all saddened by Kate's passing. We will remember her for the tough battle she fought with osteosarcoma over the past year. She was brave until the very end and all of us can draw inspiration from the courageous battle that she fought. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with the Kaufling family."

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the type of cancer Kate had is more prevalent in young people. "Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that usually develops in the osteoblast cells that form bone. It happens most often in children, adolescents, and young adults. Approximately 800 new cases of osteosarcoma are reported each year in the U.S. Of these cases, about 400 are in children and teens."

UK Executive Athletics Director Sandy Bell said that Kate was not only inspiring for her dance skills, but also her academics.

"In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously. Even during her cancer treatments, Kate kept up with her studies, setting an amazing example for her teammates. Kate was beloved by all who knew her and she will be deeply missed. On behalf of UK Athletics, we send our deepest sympathies to Holly, Steve, Abbey and the entire Kaufling family."

Kate spoke about cancer battle on social media, writing in January that her chemo treatment was ending alongside a video of Kate in a hospital, ringing a bell that signified the end of her treatment.

"2023 was by far not the year I had in mind," the college student wrote. "My plans of returning to UK with my best friends to dance and start nursing school had made a sharp unexpected turn. I had no choice but instead to spend the past 7 months undergoing an intense chemotherapy treatment full of many hospital stays."

"7 months later, I’m proud to say, 'it’s over.' Cancer is a curse I wish on no human being, but it did change my outlook on life. Hold on to your loved ones as long as you can. Those hugs might be the only thing making them feel safe right now. Embrace your friends who treat you no differently because you’re ill. Thank God everyday for everything around you. Today I’m proud to share I’m officially done with chemotherapy and ready for a better chapter of my life to begin."