Sammy Basso: the courage and faith of the young researcher who defied progeria
In the book written by his parents Laura and Amerigo, with journalist Chiara Pelizzoni, the intense life of Sammy Basso, between science and spirituality, inspired many with his example of love, resilience and dedication to research against a rare disease
"He taught how to live a full life beyond all difficulties". With these words in his end-of-year speech in 2024, a few months after his death, President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella wanted to remember and pay tribute to Sammy Basso, the Veneto researcher suffering from progeria, the extremely rare disease that leads to premature ageing. Sammy was 28 years old when he died but his life was as full as few others: from travelling around the world to marathons, from taking part in theatre shows to San Remo, not forgetting his meeting with Pope Francis. Sammy has become the travelling companion of so many people who, from near or far, have learnt to love him and who, thanks to him, have found the strength to get involved. Living with gratitude and courage every day is what Sammy taught those who knew him, recalls Lorenzo Cherubini. Jovanotti was one of Sammy's many special friends. His was the preface to the book Sammy una vita da abbracciare, written by parents Laura and Amerigo, with journalist Chiara Pelizzoni and published by Edizioni San Paolo.
In the book, which will be presented in Milan on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. in the Church of San Babila in the presence of his parents, there are also the letters that Sammy bequeathed to his closest loved ones, texts from which his joy of life, his courage, irony and faith emerge. 'There was no battle to fight,' he wrote in what was considered his will, 'there was only a life to embrace, as it was, with its difficulties, a gift given to me by God'.
Laura the thread running through your son's life has been love. The love given and received by the many who accompanied him throughout his 28 years of life, who walked with him, often becoming his own legs.
Yes from the letters he left you can already tell how much love Sammy gave, but also how much love he received, he always said it was a give and take. He always based his relationships on that, on love, on respect, and he never spared himself. Even in the letter that was read at his funeral by Bishop Sammy emphasises that the most important thing is love, he says love as much as you can .
Sammy knew he had little time and did not waste it. However, he always had time for those in need and it was quality time.
