Sammy Basso, the world’s oldest person with progeria, dies at 28

The news of his death was made public by his friend, chef Sergio Dussin, through a publication on his Facebook account: “This afternoon my great friend Sammy Basso flew into the sky, he was having dinner with his friends at Villa Razzolini Loredan, A great man who taught us that life is beautiful and we should live it well“, he wrote. The Italian progeria association Sammy Basso Onlus later confirmed Basso’s death.

According to ‘La Repubblica’, Basso was having dinner in a city in northern Italy when he started feeling bad And suddenly left this world on the night of Saturday-Sunday. The Italian has just returned from a trip to China which he was very excited about.

He dedicated his life to research

Basso was born in Shio in 1995 and was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome at just 2 years old. extremely rare progressive genetic disorder Which causes accelerated aging in children from the first years of life.

Heart problems or stroke are usually the most common causes of death in people who suffer from progeria, a disease that has no cure and can only kill. one in every 20 million peopleAccording to the Mayo Clinic, the average life expectancy of a child with progeria is about 15 years. Basso was able to live for 28 years.

The scientist spent most of his life researching and spreading his disease, searching for a possible cure, and helping others suffering from it. At only 10 years old, Sammy founded the Italian Progeria Sammy Basso Association with his parentsWhich seeks to spread information about the syndrome and locate other people affected around the world, in addition to raising funds for scientific studies.

It was 2018 when he graduated in Natural Sciences from the University of Padua. they did this with A thesis on possible treatments to reduce or slow the progression of your syndromeHer contribution, commitment and involvement in issues related to Progeria soon gained her worldwide recognition, which earned her the opportunity to star in the ‘National Geographic’ documentary. In addition, he has given numerous interviews to the media to raise awareness and provide information about the syndrome unknown to many and has been honored with various awards. beliefs For his work.

Basso was also named Knight of the Order of Merit By Sergio Mattarella, then President of the Italian Republic. In addition, Disability Minister Alessandra Locatelli dedicated some words of gratitude to Sammy for his courage and determination to bring his condition to the world with “strength and hope”.

After his death, the current President, georgia melloniSaid of Basso that he was “an extraordinary example of courage, faith and positivity.” “He faced every challenge with a smile and proved that strength can overcome any obstacle.”