Life According to Sam

Progeria is a rare, fatal genetic condition that causes accelerated aging in children. This documentary explores the world of Sam Berns and the relentless pursuit of a treatment and cure by his parents to save their son from the disease. Life According to Sam explores the remarkable world of 16-year-old Sam Berns, and the relentless pursuit of a treatment and cure by his parents (both doctors) to save their son from the fatal and extremely rare disease progeria, a progressive aging disorder. Directed by Oscar® winners Sean and Andrea Fine, this incredibly moving film chronicles three years of the family's inspiring efforts, which led to the first clinical drug trials and the discovery that progeria is linked to the entire human aging process. Without such a link, garnering support to research treatments for the mere 250 people on the planet with progeria would be far more difficult today. As Sam's resilient parents race against the clock (average life expectancy for a person with progeria is 13 years) to find a cure, Sam embraces his circumstances with admirable courage. (official distributor synopsis)