Prince Frederik of Luxembourg died of a rare genetic disease at the age of 22 – Country
Prince Frederik of Luxembourg died last month at the age of 22, his parents, Prince Robert and Princess Julie, confirmed over the weekend.
The young royal died on February 28 after a prolonged battle with POLG, a genetic mitochondrial disease that inhibits the body's ability to produce energy and can lead to organ failure, including other serious complications, including worsening brain, nerves, liver, intestines, intestines, muscles, muscles and eye functions.
In a statement posted on the website of the Polg Foundation, the late prince, his parents said Frederik was “heroic until the end of the fight.”
It continues: “His tenacious desire for life has pushed him through the toughest physical and mental challenges.
Frederik was born in the disease, but was diagnosed as acute at the age of 14, and symptoms began to appear.
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300 million people worldwide suffer from POLG, many of whom are unaware of their illness because it is difficult to diagnose. There is currently no treatment or cure.
“One person may compare it to a faulty battery that has never been fully charged, in a state of continuous depletion and ultimately lose momentum,” the statement explained.
Sir Douglas Turnbull, a professor and member of the scientific advisory board of the Polger Foundation, sees POLG as the worst of all mitochondrial diseases.
“I have cared for hundreds of patients with mitochondrial diseases and there is no doubt that of all mitochondrial diseases POLG deficiency is the most severe. It is such a ruthless advance that attacks many different systems with the same conclusion,” he said.
The statement also argues that Frederik's mother “worked relentlessly” for 15 years to take care of her son and instill in her ongoing efforts to create treatments for deadly diseases.
“In addition to this relentless work, his mother has participated in conferences, organizing and animation conferences around the world to encourage progress and collaboration at Polg Research,” the statement said.
In the three years since its inception, the Polger Foundation has funded four major projects, totaling more than $3.6 million, which in turn has stimulated research activities in the field. It also works with medical organizations around the world to create data collection tools for drug development and clinical trials, and is producing multiple movies including cartoon series to educate and spread awareness of the disease.
The family thought Fredrik could see “everything beauty”. During his recent hospital stay, Frederik's sibling Alexander recalls his late brother asking for photos of the sunset through a small window in the hospital.
“Through the small mesh windows, he saw the Eiffel Tower's lights gleaming every hour,” the statement reads.
Similarly, the family wrote on his phone, notes Frederik wrote to himself.
One person said, “Walk outside when the sun is shining.”
“We will strive to follow his instructions, especially now, in his absence, everything feels colder and darker.”
Frederik's brothers Alexander, Charlotte and his parents all survived.
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