I want to send condolences to Andrew Sato and his family. Andrew passed away Saturday after battling leukemia most of his 17-years.

Here's a young man who was abandoned by his mother in a park and at age 8 was first diagnosed with the cancer. He fought it off that first go around, beating it into remission for a number of years.

Unfortunately, the disease would come back in April of 2006. Andrew fought it again. Three months later the cancer was gone.

Andrew was 2-wins and 0-losses against it.

Unfortunately, the third time there would be no victory.

In September of 2007, Andrew was told the leukemia had returned and this time it was untreatable.

I can't even imagine what I would have felt or done if I was in Andrew's place. I get into a funk when I have a sore throat and a bad cold. Moping around like I really have problems.

Yet Andrew was a teenager that didn't get down on the hand he was dealt. He was mature and brave beyond his years.

He made it a goal to graduate from high school. Last month, he met his goal. Aiea High School honored him with an early graduation ceremony.

Now he's gone.

But I believe his spirit lives on in what he showed to Hawaii. Whether you are young or old, an athlete or an average joe, you can draw inspiration with how Andrew lived his short life.

Be brave, set goals, work at them, win, fail, get up and try again. You'll be a better person whether you're the only one who knows it or your story is in the newspaper or on TV.

Athletics in no way near the same plane as Andrew's efforts. But athletics does mirror in a small way his can-do, fighting, achieving spirit.

Thanks for reminding me Andrew of what a real competitor is.

I would have really liked to have met you.

Rest in peace, you did more in 17-years than many do in a much longer lifetime.

***

Services are not yet set. But there's some tentative plans to hold a public memorial for Andrew at the state Capitol next week.

Seems fitting for a champion like Andrew.