Jacksonville Beach 11-year-old inspired many during battle with cancer

The Jacksonville Beach community is mourning the death of an 11-year-old girl who touched many lives during her 2 1/2-year battle with cancer.

Kate Amato was known for her smile and bright personality.

She was also known for her advice to everyone: 'Always remember to smile.'

Photos: Jacksonville Beach 11-year-old inspired many before losing battle with cancer

The Fletcher Middle School student fought rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer, for 2 1/2 years, according to a memorial fund started in her honor.

Her life and progress was chronicled on the TeamKate Facebook page.

Her death was announced on the page on Nov. 30.

Kate is at peace with the Lord. She joined the Angels in heaven at 4 o'clock today. While we are aching with grief, we are comforted to know she is free; free of cancer, free of pain, free of suffering. She was God's gift to all of us, sent here to remind us to always be kind, loving, grateful, and joyful. I believe her light will continue to shine brightly through each of us," the TeamKate Facebook page said.

People from around the nation supported her as she fought cancer three times.

Among her supporters was quarterback Tim Tebow.

She joined him at an SEC Nation broadcast and spent the weekend with him in October.

Pop singer Katy Perry also showed her support for Kate with a video message that was posted to the TeamKate Facebook page.

Family is asking everyone to donate to a memorial fund in Kate's name in lieu of flowers and cards.

The fund will be used to establish a foundation in Kate's honor, which will contribute to research to end childhood cancer, according to the memorial fund page.

"She helped researchers develop better treatments and was an inspiration to all who came in contact with her," the page says. "Her smile, her funny faces, her loving spirit and her beautiful voice touched thousands of lives."

To see more of Kate's life and legacy, visit the TeamKate Facebook page.

Cox Media Group