Prince Frederic, Son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Dies at 22
Battled 'POLG Mitochondrial' Disease Throughout His Life
Prince Fr?d?ric of Luxembourg, who battled a rare genetic disease throughout his life, has died at the age of 22.
On the 9th (local time), according to CNN and others, Prince Robert of Luxembourg posted a statement on the POLG Foundation website announcing that his son Fr?d?ric passed away on the 1st in Paris, France. Robert is a cousin of Grand Duke Henri, who rules the constitutional monarchy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Prince Fr?d?ric of Luxembourg, who died at the age of 22 on the 1st (local time) from the rare disease POLG mitochondrial disorder, captured from the POLG Foundation website.
In the statement, Robert wrote, "My wife and I announce with heavy hearts the death of our son, Fr?d?ric, founder and creative director of the POLG Foundation."
POLG is a genetic mitochondrial disease that steals energy from body cells, gradually causing dysfunction and failure in multiple organs such as the brain, nerves, liver, intestines, muscles, and eyes. It is known that there is currently no treatment or cure for this disease.
According to the statement, Fr?d?ric was diagnosed with POLG at the age of 14. Although he had the disease from birth, he was diagnosed late after symptoms became apparent due to the disease’s rarity and its wide-ranging effects on multiple organs.
Robert explained POLG as "comparable to having a defective battery that is never fully recharged and continuously depleted until it eventually loses all power," adding, "There are 300 million people worldwide like Fr?d?ric, and even doctors find it difficult to detect, so the disease is often discovered very late after it has already progressed."
He continued, "Fr?d?ric did not want to be defined by this terrible disease, but he was dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases." He also added that his son told a close friend, "I am glad that I am the one born with this disease. Even if I die from it, even if my parents don’t have time to save me, I know other children can be saved."
Robert mourned his son who left too soon, saying, "Fr?d?ric was my superhero," and stated, "The POLG Foundation will be devoted to alleviating the diseases and conditions of other patients who suffer the same pain that Fr?d?ric and our family experienced."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
