Kate Kaufling Obituary
University of Kentucky Community Mourns Loss of Student
The University of Kentucky community is grieving the passing of Kate Kaufling, a sophomore and member of the UK dance team, who succumbed to osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, on Sunday, March 31. Kate was just 20 years old.
UK Dance Team Member Passes Away from Rare Cancer
Kate and her twin sister, Abbey, joined the UK dance team together in the fall of the previous year. Abbey shared an emotional tribute to her sister on Instagram, expressing, “My heart is shattered 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 isn’t a day that goes by without someone mentioning how she brightened every room she entered.”
Twin Sister Abbey Mourns Publicly
Abbey continued, “Kate and I spent every moment of our lives together. From going on her first date with her to sitting and talking while she showered, we were inseparable. Even from Lexington, we FaceTimed at least 30 times a day. I would give anything to answer one more FaceTime call from her. As I sit here today, I wonder how I am supposed to continue without my twin sister, maid of honor, and soulmate doing everything with me. But I will, for you, Kate. I promise to live my life for you.”
Abbey added, “As heartbroken as I am, I know I have the best guardian angel in heaven. I can’t wait to hold you again one day. You and me forever, Kate,” she wrote, alongside a series of photos of their time together.
University Staff Offer Condolences
Dawn Walters, the head coach of the UK Dance Team, expressed her sorrow in a statement on the University of Kentucky Athletics website, “Kate was a joy to coach and to be around. Her smile could light up a room and she was beloved by all her UKDT teammates.”
“We are deeply saddened by Kate’s passing. We will remember her for the courageous fight she put up against osteosarcoma over the past year. She was brave until the end, and we can all draw inspiration from her strength. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to the Kaufling family.”
Osteosarcoma’s Impact on Young Adults
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that typically affects young people. “Osteosarcoma usually develops in the osteoblast cells that form bone. It is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults. Approximately 800 new cases are reported each year in the U.S., with about 400 of those in children and teens.”
Sandy Bell, UK Executive Athletics Director, noted Kate’s inspiring qualities, not only in dance but also in academics. “Kate was an outstanding student in the College of Nursing who took her academics seriously. Even during her cancer treatments, she kept up with her studies, setting an amazing example for her teammates. Kate was cherished by all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed. On behalf of UK Athletics, we extend our deepest sympathies to Holly, Steve, Abbey, and the entire Kaufling family.”
Kate’s Journey Shared on Social Media
Kate openly shared her battle with cancer on social media. In January, she posted about the end of her chemotherapy treatment, accompanied by a video of her ringing a bell in the hospital, symbolizing the completion of her treatment.
“2023 was not the year I had planned,” she wrote. “My hopes of returning to UK with my best friends to dance and start nursing school took an unexpected turn. I spent the past seven months undergoing intense chemotherapy, with many hospital stays.”
“Seven months later, I’m proud to say, ‘it’s over.’ Cancer is a curse I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but it changed my perspective on life. Cherish your loved ones as long as you can. Those hugs might be the only thing keeping them safe right now. Appreciate friends who treat you the same, despite your illness. Thank God every day for everything around you. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’m officially done with chemotherapy and ready for a better chapter of my life to begin.”
