- Sam Berns, 17, died on Friday after battling progeria, a fatal condition which causes premature aging in children
- Berns is the subject of HBO documentary 'Life According to Sam' and befriended Patriots owner Robert Kraft in the months before his death
- Patriots fans dedicated Saturday's win against the Indianapolis Colts, 43-22, to Berns on TwitterKraft said he 'loved Sam Berns' and is 'a richer man for knowing him'
- Berns is also believed to have inspired team's 30-23 win against Atlanta Falcons in September after giving the team a strategy pep talk
A teenager with a rare disease who was an unofficial mascot for the New England Patriots died one day before he was due to lead them into the playoffs as an honorary team captain.
The Patriots held a moment of silence for Sam Berns, 17, before Saturday's game which saw them beat the Indianapolis Colts, 43-22 -- and scores of fans later dedicated the victory to the teen whose inspirational approach to life won him thousands of fans.
The team also held a moment of silence for Berns before the game kicked off and shared a photo of Berns and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whom Berns befriended in the months leading up to his death.
Berns suffered from progeria, a fatal genetic condition which causes premature aging. The average lifespan for patients is 13 years. Progeria is an extremely rare condition, affecting an estimated 250 children in the world.
Berns suffered from progeria, a fatal genetic condition which causes premature aging. The average lifespan for patients is 13 years. Progeria is an extremely rare condition, affecting an estimated 250 children in the world.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2537843/Touching-tribute-penned-Patriots-owner-Robert-Kraft-17-year-old-rare-disease-died-HOURS-BEFORE-guest-honor-Patriots-play-game.html#ixzz2qBxDhkHC
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Sam Berns, Boy With 'Aging Disease' Progeria, Dies at 17
1 comment:
He was truly an inspiration including his parents who worked so hard to get research, medication and awareness to the World. My heart goes out to Sam and his family and friends who loved him dearly and dread this day that has come.
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