Kate Kaufling, a member of the University of Kentucky dance team, was tragically diagnosed with osteosarcoma last summer. Sadly, that conflict is now done. Kaufling’s death was made public by the school on Friday night. She was twenty years old.
It was a pleasure to be Kate’s coach. The UK Dance squad’s coach Dawn Walters raved about how much her squad adored her and how her smile could light up any space. We are all in mourning at Kate’s demise. What will stay with us is her brave battle over the last year against osteosarcoma. She fought bravely all the way to the end, and we should all be motivated by her example.
We are thinking and praying for the Kaufling family. Kate was a brilliant dancer at the College of Nursing, but she was also a standout student who valued her education, according to UK Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell. Because Kate persisted to pursue her education while receiving cancer treatments, she served as a great example for her coworkers. Kate was loved by those who knew her, and her departure will be deeply mourned.
UK Athletics is always here for Holly, Steve, Abbey, and the whole Kaufling family. The Big Blue Nation rallied behind Kaufling, a 19-year-old from Louisville who danced for the Cats alongside her twin sister Abbey and hopes to become a nurse, after news of her diagnosis circulated last summer.
To mark the end of her chemotherapy treatments in January, Kaufling rang the bell, and the “Kate’s Krew” To pay for her medical care and transportation costs to and from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, about $95,000 was received via GoFundMe. Support continued from the “Kate’s Krew” Facebook community even after the disease reappeared.
I must say that I am really saddened to report that I lost a buddy when I was quite young. Kate Kaufling, a friend who I consider to be more like a little sister, lost her fight with cancer at a very early age. Kate was a wonderful lady with a wonderful spirit; her happiness and wonderful nature can light up any space. God always has a reason, even if we may never understand why certain lives are stolen at an early age. I’m sure Kate will gaze down on me and that she’s in a better place, free from misery and illness.
I wore the Kate’s Krew pin on my shirt and the wristband at every football and basketball game in the UK. Kindly remember Holly Reigel Kaufling, her twin sister Abbey Kaufling, and her parents, the Kaufling family, in your prayers and thoughts.
I sincerely apologise to the Kaufling family and promise to do all in my power to support you, including sending you my best wishes. My love for you, Kate, will always be there. I have faith that God will mend my heart and the hearts of others who also suffer from heartbreak, and that He has a purpose for the Kaufling family. Kate, I adore you.
