Glenville Boy, 12, Named Greenwich First Selectman For A Day

GREENWICH, CT — There was a new boss behind the big desk in the Greenwich First Selectman's office on Thursday, as Sam Buck, a sixth-grader at Western Middle School, was named First Selectman for the day.

Sam, 12, who lives in Glenville, was diagnosed at age 2 with Vanishing White Matter Disease, a rare genetic disease that destroys the brain's white matter.

The progressive disease is incurable, untreatable and ultimately terminal. Children usually live five to 10 years after a diagnosis is made. There are only about 250-300 cases of VWM worldwide.

First Selectman Fred Camillo presented Sam with a certificate of special recognition to commemorate his day as Greenwich's chief elected official. Sam also took home a small town flag, and a few pens from the Department of Public Works.

Camillo asked Sam if he could install a few more playing fields in town, but pleaded with him not to raise taxes.

"So far, so good," Camillo said of Sam's first day on the job. "It's a huge upgrade for the town. We're in good hands."

Sam's mother, Allyson, said the support from the town over the years has meant everything.

"Our journey is very different from other people's. Things like this just mean so much. It's something Sam will remember forever and that we'll remember forever. I think these memories are very important, especially with his disease being progressive," Allyson said. "Just even little comments or messages, or things like this, mean a lot more than I think people understand."

The Buck family created the VWM Families Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, several years ago as a place where families dealing with the disease can try and raise money for research.

Read More About Sam Buck: Greenwich Child Turns Wheelchair Into Amazing Halloween Costumes

Every year, the foundation holds "Mismatched Day," where residents are encouraged to donate $10 and wear mismatched socks or shoes to show support for kids with VWM.

Sam has always had a unique fashion sense. He often wears mismatched, colorful socks or clothing.

His one policy as First Selectman? Have people at Greenwich Town Hall wear mismatched socks for a day.

Camillo said he'll spread the word and take a photo for Sam some time next week.

For more on VWM and the VWM Families Foundation, click here.