University of Kentucky Dance Team member passes away

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University of Kentucky Dance Team member Kate Kaufling - Photo by Mont Dawson

Last summer, University of Kentucky Dance team member Kate Kaufling was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Sadly, that battle has ended. Kaufling passed away last night, the school announced. She was 20 years old.

“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,” said UK Dance Team head coach Dawn Walters. “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.”

“In addition to being a talented dancer, Kate was also an amazing student, in the College of Nursing, who took her academics very seriously,” said UK Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell. “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.”

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When the news of Kaufling’s diagnosis broke last summer, the Big Blue Nation rallied around the 19-year-old Louisville native, an aspiring nurse who danced for the Cats with her twin sister Abbey. The “Kate’s Krew” GoFundMe raised over $95,000 for Kaufling’s medical and travel expenses to and from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where, in January, she rang the bell to mark the end of her chemotherapy treatments. The “Kate’s Krew” Facebook group continued their support once the disease returned. (Update: The GoFundMe remains open to support the family during this trying time.)