College of Kentucky Dancer, 20, Dies from Bone Most cancers

A College of Kentucky dancer has died at age 20 following a battle with bone most cancers, the college’s athletic division introduced.

Kate Kaufling, a university sophomore who joined the dance staff together with her twin sister Abbey within the fall, was recognized with a typical bone most cancers referred to as osteosarcoma in June 2023 after noticing  a number of lumps and swollen lymph nodes, in accordance with a GoFundMe web page. Osteosarcoma often impacts youngsters and begins in areas the place the bone grows rapidly, similar to the top of the leg, in accordance with the American Most cancers Society.

Kaufling died on Sunday from the illness, simply three months after ending chemotherapy.

“Kate was a pleasure to educate and to be round. Her smile might gentle up a room and she or he was beloved by all of her UKDT teammates,” UK Dance Group head coach Daybreak Walters mentioned in a assertion. “We’re all saddened by Kate’s passing. We’ll keep in mind her for the robust battle she fought with osteosarcoma over the previous 12 months. She was courageous till the very finish and all of us can draw inspiration from the brave battle that she fought. Our ideas, prayers and love are with the Kaufling household.”

“Along with being a proficient dancer, Kate was additionally an incredible pupil, within the School of Nursing, who took her teachers very severely,” added UK Government Affiliate Athletics Director Sandy Bell. “Even throughout her most cancers remedies, Kate stored up together with her research, setting an incredible instance for her teammates. Kate was beloved by all who knew her and she or he might be deeply missed. 

Kaufling is survived by her dad and mom Holly and Steve Kaufling and her twin sister Abbey. In an emotional social media tribute, Abbey referred to as her sister her “protected area in human type” as she shared how tough life will now be with out her “soulmate.”

“As heartbroken as I’m proper now, I can say I’ve the most effective guardian angel in all of heaven. I can’t wait to squeeze you endlessly once more someday. you and me endlessly kate❤️,” Abbey wrote.

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In her remaining Instagram publish, Kaufling shared a video of herself ringing the bell alongside her family members whereas celebrating the top of her chemotherapy remedies.

“2023 was by far not the 12 months I had in thoughts,” she wrote again in January. “My plans of returning to UK with my finest associates to bounce and begin nursing faculty had made a pointy surprising flip. I had no alternative however as an alternative to spend the previous 7 months present process an intense chemotherapy remedy filled with many hospital stays. 7 months later I’m proud to say, “it’s over”.” 

“Most cancers is a curse I want on no human being, however it did change my outlook on life,” she continued. “Maintain on to your family members so long as you’ll be able to. These hugs could be the one factor making them really feel protected proper now. Embrace your folks who deal with you no in a different way since you’re unwell. Thank God on a regular basis for all the pieces round you. At this time I’m proud to share I’m formally executed with chemotherapy and prepared for a greater chapter of my life to start.”