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ST. LOUIS (KTVI) - Sammy Basso has a rare disease called Progeria and he traveled a long way to fulfill a dream to venture across route 66. Basso just turned 18 and he is the oldest boy battling Progeria, a severe form of premature aging. To give you an idea how rare, it affects one in 8 million people.

Basso is from a small town outside of Venice Italy where he spent countless nights in the hospital.

This is the first time Sammy has felt strong enough to be able to travel across one of his favorite countries.

National Geographic signed on to follow Sammy and document his journey along side his family and best friend.

This journey was made possible thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Fox International.

Sammy just finished a stop in Chicago and he caught word that two things are a must in St Louis, Pappy's BBQ and Cardinal Baseball. He concludes his journey in California September 30th where he will receive a special surprise.

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