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Awards & Recognition

Every breakthrough has people behind it.

The Progeria Research Foundation's awards honor the individuals whose dedication — whether in the lab, the boardroom, or the community — has helped move PRF closer to a cure for those who need it most.

PRF presents two awards, each named for someone whose life continues to shape everything we do: The S.A.M. Award, given for achievement Science & Medicine and The Amy Award recognizing Spirit & Service.

The S.A.M. Award

Science & Medicine
Named for Sam Berns whose life inspired the creation of PRF, and whose TEDx talk on happiness has moved millions around the world. Sam lived with Progeria and became its most powerful ambassador. The S.A.M. Award recognizes those who best embody his legacy: advancing the science and medicine that will one day cure this disease.

2024

Sammy Basso

PRF Ambassador & Researcher, Italy
Diagnosed with Progeria at the age of 2, Sammy earned two degrees in Natural Sciences and Molecular Biology, joined PRF’s first clinical trials, and pioneered gene editing research with the Progeria Gene Team.

2022

Tom Mathers

Founder & CEO, Allievex
Tom’s pharma expertise guided PRF’s partnership with Eiger Biopharmaceuticals, helping shepherd lonafarnib to historic FDA approval as the first-ever treatment for Progeria.

2018

John Seng

Founder, Chair & CEO, Spectrum Science
Creator of PRF's "Find the Children" campaign and architect of the PRF–HBO partnership for Life According to Sam, John’s decade-plus of pro bono PR work put Progeria on the world map.

2016

Dr. Monica Kleinman

Principal Investigator, Boston Children’s Hospital
Dr. Kleinman led PRF’s clinical trials at BCH with extraordinary compassion for the families who trusted her with their children’s care. She was an original member of PRF’s Board of Directors and Medical Research Committee.

2014

Dr. Mark Kieran

VP, Clinical Development, Day One Biopharmaceuticals
Dr. Kieran brought deep lonafarnib expertise in pediatric oncology to lead PRF’s first clinical drug trial. He remains an active PRF Board member and ongoing force in drug development for Progeria.

2011

Dr. Francis Collins, First recipient

Former Director, NIH
Dr. Collins and his team led the discovery of the Progeria gene in 2003. He served as science advisor to three U.S. Presidents. Dr. Collins was a close friend to Sam Berns and a cornerstone of PRF’s scientific journey from the very beginning.
The Amy Award

Spirit & Service
Named for Amy Foose, a child with Progeria whose joyful spirit, optimism, and love of life left an impression on everyone she touched. The Amy Award honors those who bring that same spirit to PRF's mission, showing up with heart, humor, and boundless generosity.

2024

Kevin Tierney

CEO, North Shore Bank
Kevin is the first individual/organization duo to win the Amy award. Kevin and NSB have supported PRF for over 20 years, - sponsoring every local PRF event – and exemplify a deep culture of giving back to the communities they serve.

2022

Robyn & Tim Milbury

25-year PRF supporters
The Milbury’s organized 9 galas, 3 golf tournaments, and dozens of other events over 25 years of selfless service. They are now inspiring the next generation of their family to carry on the mission.

2018

Jodi Mitchell

Volunteer & Fundraiser
Jodi organized a dozen fundraisers, built the biggest Race for Research team, ran Falmouth on TEAM PRF, and show up every time with one question: “What can I do to help?”

2016

Bob Morrison

Founding Board Member
Photo of Bob M
Bob was a founding Board member who called the vote that launched PRF’s first clinical drug trial. His quiet leadership and business wisdom have shaped PRF since 1999.

2013

Kevin King

CEO, YearOne
Since 2005, Kevin and YearOne—alongside Amy’s brother Chip Foose – have run the annual Braselton Bash car show in Georgia as a labor of love for children with Progeria.

2011

Maura Smith

Volunteer
Maura chaired galas and Texas Hold ‘Em events, showed up for every task, and recruited her entire family and dozens of friends to stand beside children with Progeria from day one.

2009

Debbie Ponn

Event Co-chair & Volunteer
After approaching PRF at the 2003 gala and saying "if you ever need anything, call me," Debbie spent the next two decades proving she meant every word — co-chairing three galas, organizing events and showing up, without fail, every single time.

2007

Julie Pritchard

Graphic Designer & Volunteer
Julie is PRF’s first creative voice. Since 1998, she designed brochures, posters, t-shirts, and every visual that carried PRF’s message to the world - all as a labor of love for Sam and his family,

2005

Chip Foose & Kim Paratore

Amy’s brother & PRF Board member
The inaugural Amy Award went to Amy’s brother Chip, who turned his platform as a world-renowned car designer into a megaphone for PRF, and to Kim Paratore, who created and chaired the first 3 Night of Wonder galas.
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