The ceremony in Tezze sul Brenta for the last farewell to the scientist and writer suffering from progeria, who died at the age of 28
Thousands of people, many of them closest friends and acquaintances, wanted to attend the funeral of Sammy Basso to spend together an afternoon of reflection and remembrance, a last hug to the researcher and activist who died on October 6. At 28 years old, Basso was the oldest progeria patient: a rare disease that leaves no way out and of which he wanted to become the living ambassador, to highlight patients who, like him, had to face it and stimulate the scientific research. . Sammy achieved his goal, he demonstrated it in life and this is evidenced by the affection he received during the farewell ceremony in Tezze sul Brenta, in the province of Vicenza, in a vast space between the church and sports facilities created to accommodate crowds of 5,000 people. The funeral was celebrated by the Bishop of Vicenza Giuliano Brugnotto, in the company of the Bishop Emeritus Beniamino Pizziol and the former Bishop of Chioggia Adriano Tessarollo. “If you are reading this, it means that I am no longer in the world of the living,” is the letter written by Sammy Basso especially for his funeral, “I am sorry that I cannot console those dear to me, cry and celebrate, do it for me too. Make a toast and be merry. I always liked being in company, I would like to be remembered that way.” In addition to trying to console his loved ones, he also asks them to remember how he experienced the illness. “I didn't not lost the battle against illness but I embraced life If I could go back, I would like to always be by your side. Remember me in prayer, remember me in a glass of wine. remember me celebrating. I know you're going to be in pain, try not to dwell on the pain for too long.”
