The University of Kentucky and the dance community are in mourning after the passing of Kate Kaufling, a beloved member of the University of Kentucky Dance Team. Kaufling, a sophomore and talented dancer, tragically passed away on March 31 at the age of 20, following a courageous battle with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. The university officially announced her death on April 1st, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her and admired her spirit.
Kentucky Dancer Kate Kaufling Remembered for Her Spirit and Talent
Kate Kaufling was not only a dedicated member of the Kentucky Dance Team but also a promising nursing student. She joined the dance team in the fall of 2023 alongside her twin sister, Abbey. In a statement released by the university, her impact and personality were highlighted by those who knew her best.
Dawn Walters, head coach of the UK Dance Team, expressed the profound sadness felt by the team, stating, “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.” Walters further emphasized Kate’s resilience and bravery: “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sandy Bell, UK’s executive associate athletics director, acknowledged Kate’s dedication in all aspects of her life. “In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously,” Bell noted. Her commitment and warm personality made her a cherished member of the university community. “She was beloved by all who knew and she will be deeply missed,” Bell added, underscoring the significant loss felt across the University of Kentucky.
Osteosarcoma, the illness Kate bravely fought, is a type of bone cancer that most frequently affects teenagers and young adults. According to the Mayo Clinic, this cancer often develops in the bones of the legs and sometimes the arms. Symptoms can include bone or joint pain, which can sometimes be mistaken for growing pains, swelling, or fractures without a clear cause.
Despite her health challenges, Kate maintained a sense of hope and determination. While she didn’t frequently share updates on her treatment publicly, a poignant Instagram post from January 6 revealed a major milestone in her journey. She shared a video capturing the moment she rang the bell at the hospital, symbolizing the completion of her chemotherapy treatment.
In her heartfelt post, Kate reflected on her experience, “Being the perfectionist I am, I refused to post about this before. For it would show my true weaknesses which I hate to let people see.” She openly shared the unexpected turn her life had taken, stating, “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.” Despite these hardships, her message was one of strength and gratitude. “Today I’m proud to share I’m officially done with chemotherapy and ready for a better chapter of my life to begin.”
Kate’s message extended beyond her personal journey, offering wisdom and encouragement to others. “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,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of human connection and support. Her outlook on life, transformed by her experiences, was profoundly positive. “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.” She concluded her message with an inspiring quote: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
Kate Kaufling’s legacy is one of courage, grace, and unwavering positivity in the face of adversity. She is survived by her loving parents, Holly and Steve Kaufling, and her twin sister, Abbey. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her and those who learn of her remarkable life. The University of Kentucky and the dance community will forever remember Kentucky Dancer Kate Kaufling for her infectious smile, her indomitable spirit, and the light she brought into the world.
