Heartbreak as University of Kentucky dancer Kate Kaufling dies from rare form of bone cancer at just 20 - as her team says 'heaven has gained an angel'

A University of Kentucky dance team member died from a rare form of bone cancer at just 20 years old, leaving the school community mourning the loss.

Kate Kaufling died on Sunday after battling osteosarcoma for more than nine months, school officials announced.

The sophomore student from Louisville, Kentucky, was only 20 years old. She is survived by her parents, Holly and Steve Kaufling, and her twin sister, Abbey Kaufling.

Kate, a student in the College of Nursing, joined the dance team in the fall of 2023 with her sister, Abbey.

'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 the university's dance team head coach, Dawn Walters.

Kate Kaufling, a University of Kentucky dance team member, died from a rare form of bone cancer at just 20 years old, leaving the school community mourning the loss

Kate Kaufling died on Sunday after bravely battling osteosarcoma for more than nine months, school officials announced. Pictured: Kate, who just finished seven months of chemotherapy treatments, hugged by her family in January 

Kate (pictured in red circle), a student in the College of Nursing, joined the dance team in the fall of 2023 with her sister, Abbey 

Kate was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that mostly affects children, teens and young adults, in June 2023. 

Her family friend Tina Ladegast launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised more than $90,000. 

A PET scan determined the cancer spread to other parts of her body, and she had no choice but to start chemotherapy treatments, according to Ladegast. 

'I've watched her in awe as she cracks jokes and keeps such a sunny, light-hearted disposition despite the fight she is facing,' Ladegast wrote.  

In a video shared on Kate's Instagram in January, the 20-year-old dancer can be seen ringing the bell to celebrate the end of her chemotherapy.

At the time, she had just finished seven months of intense chemotherapy treatments, which included numerous hospital stays, she said.

She wrote along sharing the video: 'Being the perfectionist I am, I refused to post about this before. For it would show my true weaknesses which I hate to let people see.

'2023 was by far not the year I had in mind. My plans of returning to UK with my best friends to dance and start nursing school had made a sharp unexpected turn.' 

In her post, she announced the end of chemotherapy, expressing gratitude to her friends and loved ones who treated her no differently despite her illness. 

'Cancer is a curse I wish on no human being, but it did change my outlook on life. Hold on to your loved ones as long as you can. Those hugs might be the only thing making them feel safe right now. 

'Today I'm proud to share I'm officially done with chemotherapy and ready for a better chapter of my life to begin,' she wrote. 

Kate was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer that mostly affects children, teens and young adults, in June 2023. Pictured: Kate, right, and her twin sister, Abbey, left

A PET scan determined the cancer spread to other parts of her body last year, and she had no choice but to start chemotherapy treatments

Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell said Kate was also an 'amazing student' who took her academics seriously

She died just 12 weeks later, as announced by the University of Kentucky in a heartbreaking release to its students and faculty.  

'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,' Walters wrote. 

Executive Associate Athletics Director Sandy Bell said Kate was also an 'amazing student' who took her academics seriously. 

'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,' Bell said.