Memorial held for Bulk. teen who had aging disorder



This undated photo provided by HBO shows Sam Berns, the subject of the HBO documentary, "Life According to Sam," center, with his parents, Leslie Gordon, left, and Scott Berns. Sam Berns, 17, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 of complications from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, commonly known as progeria. Hundreds of people, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, attended his funeral on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/HBO, Sean Fine)
 SHARON, Bulk. (AP) — Countless people, including New England Patriots manager Robert Kraft, attended the funeral Tuesday of an Massachusetts teenager whose battle with a rare anatomical condition that accelerates growing old inspired professional athletes and spurred health-related research.

Sam Berns' high school graduation classmates also were bused for the services at a new synagogue in Sharon. An individual reception was placed later at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Berns' home team.

Berns, 17, passed away Friday of difficulties from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria symptoms, commonly known while progeria. He was informed they have progeria when he was 22 several weeks old. His health practitioner parents founded the nonprofit Progeria Study Foundation after his diagnosis.

Berns became the main topics an HBO documented, "Life According to Sam. " The exposure has taken greater recognition for the condition, which causes musculoskeletal degeneration, cardiovascular problems along with other symptoms associated using aging.

Kraft met the young sports fan and attended the HBO premiere of the documentary in Nyc in October. Kraft made a $500, 000 matching pledge for the foundation.

The Boston Planet reported that Berns was invited to your Patriots practice which month, and provided the players a great impromptu motivational conversation.

Kraft said following Berns' death that he had invited the teen to become the Patriot's honorary chief for Saturday nights playoff game through which they defeated the Indianapolis Colts.