My philosophy for a happy life | Sam Berns | TEDxMidAtlantic

Summary

In this inspiring speech, 17-year-old Sam, living with the rare genetic disorder Progeria, shares his philosophy for a happy life despite his challenges. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what he can do, surrounding himself with supportive people, and always looking forward to something positive. Sam's story, including his dream to play snare drum in his school's marching band and his family's contribution to Progeria research, demonstrates resilience and a zest for life that transcends his physical limitations.

Takeaways

• 🥁 Sam's Passion: Sam's dream was to play snare drum in the marching band, despite the physical limitations caused by Progeria.
• 💼 Progeria's Impact: Progeria is a rare disease affecting only 350 children worldwide, with symptoms like tight skin, lack of weight gain, stunted growth, and heart disease.
• 🔧 Innovative Solution: Sam and his family worked with an engineer to create a lighter snare drum harness, overcoming the weight challenge.
• 🎉 Accomplishment: Sam successfully played the snare drum in the halftime show, showcasing his ability to overcome obstacles.
• 🌟 Progeria Awareness: Sam's story and his mother's scientific work have raised awareness about Progeria and contributed to its treatment.
• 😊 Positive Outlook: Sam emphasizes living a happy life despite the challenges of Progeria, focusing on what he can do rather than what he can't.
• 🤝 Supportive Community: Sam's family and friends provide a strong support system that helps him thrive and contributes to his happiness.
• 🎼 Shared Experience: Being part of the band allows Sam to connect with others through music, which transcends his medical condition.
• 🚀 Forward Momentum: Sam's philosophy includes always having something to look forward to and striving for a bright future.
• 🧠 Ambition and Change: Sam's career ambitions have evolved from engineering to biology, reflecting his growth and adaptability.
• 🎥 Documentary Impact: The documentary 'Life According to Sam' captured his life and philosophy, showing how his views have matured over time.

Q & A

What was Sam's dream before starting high school?

Sam's dream was to play the snare drum in the Foxboro High School Marching Band.

Why was Sam unable to carry a regular-sized snare drum?

Sam has a disease called Progeria, which makes him weigh only about 50 pounds, and a regular snare drum and harness weigh about 40 pounds each, which is too heavy for him to carry.

What alternative instrument did Sam play due to his condition?

Sam was assigned to play pit percussion during the halftime show, which involved auxiliary percussion instruments like bongos, timpani, timbales, and cowbell.

How did Sam overcome the obstacle of not being able to play the snare drum?

Sam's family and an engineer collaborated to design a lighter snare drum harness that weighed only about 6 pounds, making it possible for Sam to play.

What is Progeria and how many children worldwide does it affect?

Progeria is a rare genetic disorder that causes symptoms like tight skin, lack of weight gain, stunted growth, and heart disease. It affects only about 350 children worldwide.

What was the significance of Sam's mother's research on Progeria?

Sam's mother and her team of scientists published the first successful Progeria Treatment Study, which led to Sam being interviewed on NPR.

What was Sam's response when asked about the most important thing people should know about him?

Sam answered that he has a very happy life, emphasizing that despite his condition, he doesn't want people to feel bad for him and that he is able to overcome most obstacles.

What are the three aspects of Sam's philosophy for a happy life?

The three aspects are: being okay with what one ultimately can't do because there is so much one can do; surrounding oneself with people one wants to be with; and keeping moving forward.

How does Sam's philosophy help him deal with the challenges of living with Progeria?

Sam focuses on the activities he can do and the passions he has, surrounds himself with supportive people, and always looks forward to something, which helps him to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

What is Sam's current ambition and how has it changed from his childhood dream?

Sam's current ambition is to go into the field of Biology, possibly cell biology, genetics, or biochemistry. This is a change from his childhood dream of becoming an engineer or inventor.

What advice does Sam give about dealing with difficult times and maintaining a positive outlook?

Sam advises to not waste energy feeling badly for oneself, to be brave even when it's not easy, and to always have something to look forward to as a way to keep moving forward.

What is the title of the documentary about Sam and his family?

The documentary is titled 'Life According to Sam' and was filmed by HBO.

What does Sam suggest is the key to having a happy life despite obstacles?

Sam suggests that not wasting energy on self-pity, surrounding oneself with the right people, and always moving forward are the keys to having a happy life.

What is Sam's final piece of advice for living a happy life?

Sam's final piece of advice is to never miss a party if you can help it, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life's moments.