For anyone who has been to a Boston sports game in the past few years, you have probably seen the FanCam scan to a very special person in the audience. It is not a celebrity, well at least not one you would hear on the radio or see in a sitcom. Instead he is a celebrity close to the hearts of many Bostonians, Sam Berns.
Sam Berns was diagnosed with progeria as a toddler; it is a rare genetic condition that speeds up the aging process. Progeria affects approximately one in every 4 million to 8 million infants; there are only about 200 children living with it worldwide.
As a toddler, doctors expected him not to live beyond the age of 12. Not only did he prove them wrong but he also lived his life to the fullest. As a member of the marching band at Foxborough High School, he attended his homecoming and inspired a HBO Documentary entitled Life According to Sam, which is up for an Academy Award.
He was and will continue to be an inspiration. Both of his parents, who are doctors, started a research campaign for progeria that has spread all over the world, and the results of some of the research has been able to isolate the gene that causes the condition and they have since identified drug treatment that has helped prolong the lives of children such as Sam.
In a TedX talk, Sam said, “Even though I have many obstacles in my life, I don’t want people to feel bad for me… All in all, I don’t waste energy feeling bad for myself. I surround myself with people that I want to be with. And I keep moving forward.”
He was a determined, warm-hearted person whose love for Boston sports led him to befriend many well-known Boston sports figures. Zdeno Chara has formed a very fond relationship with Sam over the past few years, and many other Bruins players always enjoyed seeing Sam’s friendly face on the Bruins bench.
Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, was so inspired by the strength of Sam that he not only donated $500,000 to the Progeria Research Foundation, but also invited Sam to be the honorary captain at the Patriot’s first playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately, Sam passed away just prior to the game. All the 70,000 spectators in Gillette Stadium in addition to many others viewing from home and remembering the story of Sam held a moment of silence.
He will be missed, as was seen by many tweets. Bruins player Brad Marchand tweeted, “The warrior, Sam Berns passed away today. He was an inspiration to everyone. You will be missed greatly.”
Sam, you will be missed. You were an inspiration and motivated a positive attitude in many kids, adults, celebrities and sports figures. In every sports arena in Boston, as well as many hearts around the country, you will always be remembered and your help in raising awareness and research of progeria will continue.
Article Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/11/us/progeria-sam-berns-dies/
Image Sources:
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