Laura Lucchin and Amerigo Basso rushed to their car the moment they received the devastating call that no parent ever wants to hear: their son, Sammy Basso, had collapsed while attending a friend’s wedding. The frantic drive to Villa Razzolin Loredan in Asolo was not enough for the parents to say goodbye to their son one last time. Laura could only embrace Sammy’s lifeless body, kiss his cheeks, and whisper her final words into his ear.
Sammy, who suffered from progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes premature aging, dedicated his life to studying the illness. His mother, Laura, shared in an interview with Repubblica that Sammy’s initial life expectancy was just 14 years. However, a groundbreaking experimental therapy he began at age twelve significantly improved his condition and has since benefited many other patients as well.
The news of Sammy’s passing spread rapidly across Italy on Sunday morning, October 6, igniting an outpouring of global condolences. “I never imagined that the response would be such a wave of love for Sammy,” Laura expressed. “The world is moving. We have received messages from every corner. Sammy was able to touch incredible chords in everyone.” For Laura and Amerigo, who share a deep faith akin to their son’s, being the parents of such a remarkable individual was a “great and wonderful gift.”
Sammy’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, October 11, at 3 PM, in the area between the church and the municipal stadium in Tezze sul Brenta. Thousands of attendees are expected, and the local government is coordinating the arrangements, including declaring a day of mourning and providing parking and shuttle buses for mourners.
As the community prepares to pay their respects, Sammy’s legacy as a passionate advocate for awareness of progeria continues to resonate. His story has inspired many, highlighting the strength and resilience found even in the face of adversity.
