Kate Kaufling, a well-liked college dancer, died too soon from bone cancer at the age of 20. This is very sad news.
The sad news was shared in a press release by the University of Kentucky Athletics. The college community and dance team are in mourning. Kate’s story is one of strength, determination, and inspiration that touched the hearts of many people who knew her.
As a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, Kate Kaufling was a shining star on and off the dance floor. A dedicated member of the Kentucky Wildcats Dance Team, she was also known for having a beautiful smile and a great personality. Kate made everyone she met happy, and you could feel her good vibes.
The young dancer worked hard at school too. She was going to school to become a nurse because she wanted to help people like her nurses did for her. On Sunday, March 31, 2024, she lost her battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She was only 20 years old. Her parents and her twin sister Abbey will miss her.
Heather Walters, head coach of the Wildcats Dance Team, spoke about her sadness and love for Kate. “Kate was a joy to coach and be around,” she said. Everyone on her UKDT team loved her, and her smile could light up a room. Kate made a difference in many people’s lives with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit, not just her teammates.
Sandy Bell, the university’s executive associate athletics director, said that Kate was a “amazing student” who showed dedication and strength. Kate kept up with her studies even though she was getting treatment for cancer. She was an inspiration to her teammates and a great example for others.
How to Understand Osteosarcoma
Kate fought osteosarcoma, a very rare type of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a tumor that grows in the new tissue of bones that are still growing. The American Cancer Society says that less than 5% of all childhood cancers are bone cancers like osteosarcoma. Children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 25 are most likely to be diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Any bone can get it, but the long bones in the arms and legs get it the most often. It is very easy for osteosarcoma to spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated right away. Children of color are more likely to have it than children of color or Hispanic children.
