The young dancer worked hard at school too. She was going to school to become a nurse because she wanted to help people like her nurses did for her. On Sunday, March 31, 2024, she lost her battle with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She was only 20 years old. Her parents and her twin sister Abbey will miss her.
Heather Walters, head coach of the Wildcats Dance Team, spoke about her sadness and love for Kate. “Kate was a joy to coach and be around,” she said. Everyone on her UKDT team loved her, and her smile could light up a room. Kate made a difference in many people’s lives with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering spirit, not just her teammates.
Sandy Bell, the university’s executive associate athletics director, said that Kate was a “amazing student” who showed dedication and strength. Kate kept up with her studies even though she was getting treatment for cancer. She was an inspiration to her teammates and a great example for others.
How to Understand Osteosarcoma
Kate fought osteosarcoma, a very rare type of bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a tumor that grows in the new tissue of bones that are still growing. The American Cancer Society says that less than 5% of all childhood cancers are bone cancers like osteosarcoma. Children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 25 are most likely to be diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Any bone can get it, but the long bones in the arms and legs get it the most often. It is very easy for osteosarcoma to spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated right away. Children of color are more likely to have it than children of color or Hispanic children.
How to Tell If You Have Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is often identified by long-lasting joint pain, swelling above a bone or bony part of the body, and broken bones that can’t be explained. At first, these symptoms might be mistaken for those of other illnesses or injuries, which makes early detection hard. You should see a doctor right away if any of these things happen to you or your child. The better the outcome, the earlier osteosarcoma is found and treated.
Choices for Treatment
Imaging tests and a biopsy are usually needed to diagnose osteosarcoma. Different types of treatment for osteosarcoma depend on the patient’s condition and prognosis. To fight this aggressive type of cancer, people often use surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Most of the time, surgery is used to treat osteosarcoma. During surgery, the doctor tries to get rid of as much of the tumor as possible while keeping the shape and function of the body part. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take out all or part of a bone that is hurt. Before surgery, chemotherapy is often used to make tumors smaller so they are easier to remove. More chemotherapy may be given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that are still alive. Radiation therapy can also be used to treat osteosarcoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
Death to Kate Kaufling
Kate Kaufling’s death at such a young age is a terrible blow to her family, friends, dance team, and everyone at the University of Kentucky. People will remember Kate for how strong, brave, and determined she was during her battle with osteosarcoma.
People who knew Kate will always remember her journey because it inspired and touched their hearts. We will always remember to value our health, enjoy the good things in life, and never take a moment for granted because of her.
Kate’s parents, Holly and Steve, and her twin sister Abbey, who also dances on the Wildcats Dance Team, are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope they find comfort and strength during this very hard time. Kate Kaufling, may you rest in peace. You will be missed always.