Andrew Sato, the 17-year-old foster child with leukemia who was honored with an early graduation from 'Aiea High School last month, died Saturday.

Sato inspired hundreds across the state with his unwavering spirit and his infectious smile. The day before he died, he was on the KHON2 morning news to thank people for their support. He also attended a special recognition in his honor at the state Capitol.

Sato touched people with his selflessness, his maturity and his strength in the face of adversity. A Feb. 4 story in The Advertiser on Sato's special graduation and his struggles spurred dozens of readers to reach out and help the teen. Some contributed donations, while others offered in-kind support.

David Louis, executive director of Heart Gallery Hawaii, which helped Sato, said the teen had a way of letting people forget their own difficulties.

"More than anything, he just gave me more energy to continue doing this work for these kids," Louis said.

Sato found out he had untreatable leukemia in September 2007. But he was no stranger to the disease. At age 8, shortly after being abandoned by his mother in a park, Sato was diagnosed with leukemia for the first time and started treatment.

The disease went into remission for several years.

But it came back in April 2006.

Three months later, the cancer was gone again.

But the third time it returned, late last year, it was stronger than ever.

Services for Sato are not yet set.

Louis said there are tentative plans to hold a public memorial for Sato at the state Capitol next week.