Sam Berns was a 17-year-old student from Massachusetts who dreamt of playing in his high school's marching band. But, unlike other students, he was diagnosed with the rare, rapid ageing disease progeria when he was just two years old.
In a speech to TEDx in December last year, Sam discussed his philosophy for a happy life. He told the audience: "Be ok with what I ultimately can't do, because there is so much I CAN do."
Despite his illness, he achieved highest honours at his school and achieved his ultimate dream of becoming a percussion section leader for the Foxboro High School band.
Sam passed away on Friday, prompting American football team the New England Patriots, who he was to named honorary captain of just a day after he died, to dedicate their playoff win to the talented teen.
Listen to his TEDxTalk and let this extraordinary young man inspire you too.