Sam Berns: Teen Progeria Advocate and TED Speaker Dies at 17

Sam Berns was an American teenager and advocate. Born on October 23, 1996, in Providence, Rhode Island, he had progeria, a rare disease that causes rapid aging.

His parents, both doctors, founded the Progeria Research Foundation. He was the subject of the HBO documentary Life According to Sam and gave a widely viewed TEDx talk, "My Philosophy for a Happy Life." He played in the marching band and was a friend of Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara.

Berns died of complications of progeria in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2014, at age 17.

Achievements: TEDx speaker, subject of Life According to Sam.

Birth: October 23, 1996 - Providence, Rhode Island.

Profession: Student and advocate.

Interesting Facts: He was a drummer in his school's marching band.