Many public figures lamented his disappearance and praised his courage. Sammy Basso, an Italian suffering from progeria (or Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome), a disease of premature aging, died this Saturday, October 5 at the age of 28.
According to Italian media, he was the oldest patient in the world affected by this disease, for which life expectancy at birth is around 13 years. Sammy Basso was dining with friends when he felt unwell, the Italian press reported.
“A model to follow” for Meloni
On social networks, tributes are pouring in. “Sammy Basso was an extraordinary example of courage, faith and positive spirit. He faced every challenge with a smile, proving that the strength of the soul can overcome all obstacles,” wrote head of government Giorgia Meloni on X. “His commitment to progeria research and his ability to inspire others will forever be a role model,” she added.
Italian singer Jovanotti, for his part, wrote on Instagram, publishing photos of Sammy Basso during his concerts: “What immense sadness. The news of Sammy’s passing, although his illness was a constant threat, comes as a surprise to those who knew him, as it was truly difficult to meet anyone more alive than him when he was around. (…) His intelligence, his passion, his culture and his ability to harmonize scientific knowledge with unshakeable faith, his formidable humor and his colorful spirit come to mind. »
A rare and incurable disease
Born on December 1, 1995 in northern Italy, Sammy Basso studied at university in Padua. He specialized in molecular biology in 2021 with a thesis seeking to clarify the relationship between inflammation and progeria, according to the daily La Repubblica. He was active on social media, followed by over 71,000 people on Instagram.
Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, sometimes also nicknamed “Benjamin Button syndrome” is an extremely rare genetic disorder that causes accelerated aging starting in the first or second year. This disease is believed to be caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene.
Symptoms include stunted growth, alopecia, and a characteristic facial morphology marked by a small head, small jaws, and a pinched nose. Mental development is not affected. There is currently no known treatment. According to Inserm, there are only three known cases of progeria in France, 25 in Europe and around a hundred worldwide.
