Sammy Basso, who battled the rare genetic disease known as Progeria, or “Benjamin Button disease” in common terms, has lost his life at the age of 28.

Having been diagnosed with the disease at the age of 2, Sammy Basso, recognized as the longest-surviving individual with Progeria in the world, passed away at the age of 28, despite the average life expectancy being known to be 14.5 years.

After founding the Italian Progeria Sammy Basso Association at the age of 10 with the support of his family, Basso dedicated his life to raising awareness about this disease.

Featured in the National Geographic documentary “Sammy’s Journey,” sharing information about Progeria, Sammy Basso also wrote a master’s thesis investigating the treatment of the disease with genetic engineering. On the evening of October 5th, Basso fell ill during dinner with his family and friends, was taken to the hospital, but unfortunately, the interventions were not successful.

WHO IS SAMMY BASSO?
Born on December 1, 1995, in the city of Thiene, Italy, Basso graduated from the Natural Sciences department of the Padua University in 2018. In 2021, he pursued a master’s degree in Molecular Biology at the same university, shaping his academic career. In 2019, he was honored with the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.

In a statement his family made, they expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of sharing a part of life’s journey with Sammy, highlighting the lesson he taught them that life is worth living to the fullest no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem.

Basso’s struggle had become one of the most significant symbols in raising awareness about Progeria syndrome. His life will continue to inspire others.

WHAT IS PROGERIA?
Progeria, also known as “Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome,” is a rare genetic disease that causes children to age much faster than normal. Symptoms typically start to appear between the ages of 1 and 2, leading to problems such as thinning of the skin, hair loss, joint stiffness, and growth retardation. Progeria stems from a mutation in the LMNA gene, resulting in the production of an abnormal protein that disrupts cell function. While there is no definitive cure, various treatment methods can be utilized to manage the symptoms. Efforts to raise awareness are crucial for individuals and families living with this rare disease.