News Summary
The University of Kentucky community mourns the loss of 20-year-old Kate Kaufling, a dance team member who bravely battled osteosarcoma. Kate’s inspiring journey touched many, and her family is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease through initiatives like ‘Kate’s Krew’ and ‘Be Kate Kind.’ Visitation and funeral services are set for April 8 and 9, as friends and family gather to celebrate her life.
Tragic Loss in Lexington: University of Kentucky Dance Team’s Kate Kaufling Dies at 20
It’s a heartbreaking day for the University of Kentucky community and for the entire city of Lexington. The beloved dance team member, Kate Kaufling, has passed away at just 20 years old after a courageous battle with a rare form of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma. Kate left this world on March 29, less than a year after she was diagnosed with this life-altering disease in June 2023.
A Bright Light Gone Too Soon
Kate Kaufling was a sophomore on the dance team, where she made a lasting impression thanks to her vibrant spirit and infectious smile. She joined the dance team in the fall of 2022 alongside her twin sister, Abbey, forging an incredible bond that brought joy to those around them. Abbey described their relationship as incredibly close, noting that they spent almost every moment together. It’s heartwarming—and heartbreaking—to think about the love they shared.
A Battle Worth Remembering
Kate’s strength as she faced her diagnosis inspired not only her sister but also her teammates and countless others within the community. Even in her darkest moments, she continued to shine, reminding everyone that there is always hope. Earlier this month, she celebrated an important milestone by ringing the bell at UK Hospital, marking the end of her chemotherapy journey. Yet, despite her resilience, she could not overcome her illness, leading to deep sorrow within her dance team.
Community Spirit: Kate’s Krew and Be Kate Kind
Kate’s family is determined to carry on her legacy by raising awareness about osteosarcoma. They created “Kate’s Krew”, a group dedicated to spreading knowledge about cancer and honoring Kate’s fight. Additionally, they developed a wonderful initiative called “Be Kate Kind”, which encourages kindness, a testament to the warmth that Kate exuded. It’s a beautiful reminder to everyone that despite the challenges we face, kindness is always a choice we can make.
Raising Awareness About Osteosarcoma
Did you know that approximately 800 new cases of osteosarcoma are reported each year in the United States alone? Of those cases, half occur in children and teenagers, making awareness and early detection even more crucial. The Kaufling family’s efforts to educate the public continues Kate’s mission to make a difference in the lives of others.
Final Farewell
As the community mourns, arrangements have been made for Kate’s visitation, which will take place on April 8 from 2-8 p.m. EST at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home in Louisville, Kentucky. A second day of visitation is scheduled for April 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a funeral service following at 1 p.m. Friends, family, and those whose lives Kate touched are encouraged to come together to celebrate her life.
Support for the Kaufling Family
In a show of love and solidarity, a GoFundMe account has been created to support the Kaufling family during this difficult time. It’s heartwarming to see communities come together, and this fund offers a chance for people to extend their compassion and help the family in any way they can.
The Legacy of a Dancer and a Fighter
Kate Kaufling may be gone, but her spirit will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew her. As we reflect on her joyful character and the impact she had, let’s embrace kindness in her memory and strive to spread her message about the importance of awareness and compassion in our communities. Rest in peace, Kate. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky Kernel: Kate Kaufling Dies
- Wikipedia: Osteosarcoma
- Lex18: UK Dance Team Member Passes Away
- Google Search: Kate Kaufling
- E! Online: UK Dance Team Honors Kate Kaufling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
- WLKY: Kentucky Dance Team Member’s Passing
- Google News: UK Dance Team
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
