Last week, the well known teen, Sam Berns, passed from a genetic disorder called progeria. This genetic disorder is very rare and causes accelerated aging, which can, in turn, lead to other diseases such as osteoporosis, which causes bones to become more brittle and more easily broken. Most people who have the condition only live to about 13. Sam, however, defied the odds and lived to 17. Last Saturday, he was scheduled to appear at the New England Patriots football game, but instead, a moment of silence was held in honor of his life. "I loved Sam Berns and am richer for having known him," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. Sam was also a part of the recent HBO documentary, "Life According to Sam", which took a closer look into his life with progeria. In the recent TedX medical conference, Sam said, "Even though I have many obstacles in my life, I don't want people to feel bad for me." At the same conference, he gave a speech about living a happy life, and how to strive to accomplish the things we want to by working around obstacles. His mother and her team of scientists have even produced the first drug to treat progeria, which has helped other children suffering from progeria around the world.
Sam's life was one that certainly inspired many, including myself. His condition makes it clear that we all have to appreciate what we have, and that we all must overcome obstacles. Sam said that he wanted to change the world by someday studying in the field of science, and though he only lived to the age of 17, he has accomplished much more in his 17 years life than many do in their lives. He didn't let his obstacles get in the way of his being happy, which is a lesson that is applicable to each and every person on this earth. His life will not soon be forgotten.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/11/us/progeria-sam-berns-dies/index.html?hpt=us_t4
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