Sam Berns, teen inspiration to thousands passes

Written by Fox News on . Posted in Obituaries

Publisher's note:  Although I had been aware of him and his affliction with the rare medical condition known as Progeria Syndrome, I never had the opportunity to meet Sam Berns, and it seems unfitting to publish his story, one filled with so much life, under this column heading.  You see, Sam Berns wasn’t your average teen; he wasn’t caught up in his own plight.  Instead, Sam lived his all too short life richly as an inspiration to everyone he came into contact with.  Never letting his condition get him down, he remained positive, upbeat, and he taught all those who knew and knew of him a new perspective.  

When so many of us get frazzled by such little things as the inconvenience of missing out on the early bird special at our local diner, or finding out they made our coffee wrong when we’re a mile away from the coffee shop; the memory of Sam Berns and so many others that cope with daily end of life struggles should stand as a stark reminder of just how truly blessed we all are.

The Patriots Press extends our deepest. heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this brave young man who touched so many lives.  Rest in Peace Sam Berns. 

Fox News:  A Massachusetts teen credited with inspiring legions through his brave fight against an extremely rare illness died Friday -- one day before he was to serve as honorary captain for the New England Patriots’ at a playoff game.  

MyFoxBoston reports Sam Berns, 17, died from complications related to Progeria syndrome, a genetic disorder that debilitates approximately 1-in-8 million children with stunted growth, rapidly advanced, or premature, aging, and the deterioration of one’s organs uncharacteristically early in life. 

“I loved Sam Berns and am richer for having known him,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft wrote in a statement following Berns’ death on Friday night.

“He was a special young man whose inspirational story and positive outlook on life touched my heart. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time with him and to get to know his incredible family.”

Berns, a Foxboro High School junior, was the subject of a 2013 HBO documentary about his family’s dogged search for a cure, called "Life According to Sam."

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