17-year-old leaves inspiring legacy

It’s hard to imagine many 17-year-olds having an impact on so many people in life and in death as Sam Berns. Diagnosed at 22-months with a rare genetic condition that accelerates the aging process, Berns lived an extraordinary, and tragically short, life. “I don’t want people to feel bad for me. I don’t think about these obstacles all the time. And I overcome most of them anyway,” Sam said in a Tedx talk in October. The Foxborough, Mass. teen spoke publicly about his condition and his life was featured in an HBO documentary -- all to raise awareness and money for the Progeria Research Foundation, which his parents and family started. “Without the family there would be no clinical trial, there would be no treatment and no hope for children with progeria. That is Sam’s gift and that will last forever,” said Dr. Monica Kleinman at Children’s Hospital. In the past 12 years, researchers, lead by Sam’s mother Dr. Leslie Gordon, have isolated the gene that causes progeria and developed a drug that prolongs life. Now more than 40 children from around the globe participate in a clinical trial at Children’s Hospital. It was all inspired by a young man who gave the New England Patriots pep talks. “No matter what happened he always lived life to the fullest. He was an example of someone who really loved his family, loved his friends, loved his life and took full advantage of that,” said Kleinman. School officials said the community is left heartbroken by his death. "Sam was a beloved member of our school community. Witty, brilliant, loving, and kind, Sam served as a powerful role model for us all. He taught us that living a happy life is a mindset that each of us can choose, willfully and joyfully – just as Sam did," Foxborough Public Schools Superintendent Debbie Spinelli said. "Sam lived an extraordinary life while at the same time he lived the ordinary life of a Foxborough High School teenager. His impact on the world will be felt for decades to come." VIDEO