Beandri Booysen, a teenage girl who radiated an undeniable “hope and joy” for life despite suffering from an extremely rare aging disease, passed away just days before Christmas. She was 19 years old.
Diagnosed at seven months old with Progeria — also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome — Beandri was not expected to live past the age of 14, as her condition forced her to age eight times faster than the average human.
But in her nearly two decades of life, her heartwarming content on social media inspired thousands of viewers online.A teenage girl, who suffered from a condition that caused her body to age prematurely, has sadly passed away
Image credits: Bea Booysen
On Wednesday, December 18, her mother, Bea Booysene, confirmed the news on her daughter’s Facebook page titled “In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen.”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” Bea wrote in a text now translated into English.
“Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh, but was also the last surviving person in South Africa to live with Progeria.”
Image credits: Bea Booysen
She continued, “She was a voice and a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs, and inspired thousands with her unique spirit. She never stopped fighting.”
While a memorial service is yet to be announced, her family has requested privacy during this “extremely difficult time.”
Beandri’s presence on social media was undeniable, as she used her platform to “raise awareness”
Image credits: Bea Booysen
From the beginning, Beandri’s motto was simple: “Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself.”
The 19-year-old was determined to show exactly that on TikTok, where she had nearly 300,000 followers, with many of her videos garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
Image credits: Bea Booysen
Beandri, diagnosed with progeria, hoped to inspire others with special needs, showing that everyone is unique. Despite her disease, she dreamed of teaching and starting a family. Progeria affects 1 in 4 million, with an average life expectancy of 14-15 years. Her optimism touched many, even in adversity.
