A “talented” University of Kentucky dancer died from bone cancer over the weekend, just months after she shared an emotional video celebrating the end of her chemotherapy treatment, school officials said.
Sophomore Kate Kaufling, 20, died from osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, on Sunday, UK Athletics announced.
Kate was on the UK Dance Team alongside her twin sister, Abbey, the department said.
“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,”head coach Dawn Walters said.
“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.” she added.
The UK Dance Team shared a collage of Kate in her team gear on Instagram, writing that “Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel.”
Kate was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and was pursuing a nursing degree, according to UK Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell.
“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 said.
“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,” she noted.
Kaufling’s passing came just three months after she shared an emotional video announcing the end of her seven-month ordeal with chemotherapy.
“2023 was by far not the year I had in mind. My plans of returning to UK with my best friends to dance and start nursing school had made a sharp unexpected turn,” she wrote of the devastating diagnosis.
“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,’” Kaufling said of the experience, adding that the disease “did change ]her] 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,” the college student insisted.
Kate’s twin, Abbey, paid tribute to her late sister in a gut-wrenching social media update Monday.
“My heart is in pieces having to write this. my sweet kate you were my person,” Abbey wrote alongside a series of photos of the duo posing together through the years.
“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,” the grieving sister continued.
“I promise to wake up everyday 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,” Abbey added.
Kate was also mourned by her sorority chapter, which shared a photo of the dancer performing on the football field in happier times.
“Kate was an incredibly bright light in our chapter, one whose presence will be felt for years to come. She was loving, genuine, and passionate- a Tri Delta in every way,” the accompanying caption read.
