Sam Berns, 17, Dies from Lifelong Battle with Progeria

Sam Berns, a teenager who had been suffering from progeria, a rare "premature aging" disease, died after a long battle with the health issue on Friday. He was 17.

Both Berns' parents, Leslie and Scott, are doctors who had started a research campaign in Boston that studied children with progeria all around the world. In 2003, they became successful in isolating the gene that caused the condition. Since then, they discovered a drug treatment that has been helpful to many suffering from the disease.

A feature film will soon be released regarding the Berns' family success and their work on progeria, titled "Life According to Sam". ABC News notes that it was recently shortlisted for a nomination in the documentary category of the Academy Awards.

The Progeria Research Foundation, a non-profit based in Peabody, has also been receiving an overwhelming amount of help via fundraising. Berns' aunt, Audrey Gordon, is the director of the organization.

Sam also shared his life philosophy at a TEDxMidAtlantic talk in October 2013. He was an avid sports fan and played the snare drum in the Foxborough High School marching band.

Expressions of sympathy and support may be expressed using #prfsam on Twitter and The Progeria Foundation Facebook page and/or directed to The Progeria Research Foundation at P.O. Box 3453, Peabody, MA 01961-3453.