US Documentary
Directed by: Sean & Andrea Nix Fine
This is a story about Sam Berns, the son of Drs. Leslie and
Scott Berns of Foxborough, MA. Sam, just before he turned two, was diagnosed
with progeria, an extremely rare and fatal disease that affects only about 250
children worldwide. It speeds up the aging process of the child so that by the
time that they are 12 their bodies are aged like an 80 year old and usually die of heart attacks or strokes.
The parents
immediately started a foundation and eventually discovered the gene that causes
progeria and so began an experimental drug program for about 18 of the children
affected by this disease. I was so struck by the pro-life message of this film,
especially how the parents loved Sam, held him, took care of him and consoled
him. It was a film about hoping against all hope. Being both doctors, the
parents are documented as expressing their utter helplessness before this rare
disease. They can help and heal others but they could do nothing for their son.
It required a heroic letting go and surrender.
Often in life it is only in
moments of complete surrender that we can trust God to direct our lives. In our
helplessness we come to know that we are not in control. We can and should do
all we can to help those we love, but at a certain point, our fallibilities
take over. We can only surrender in trust. I experienced this hope-filled message in
this film, especially when the humor breaks forth through it all. Sam and his
parents have struggled, but also have hoped and that hope gives life. Video Trailer
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