Beandri Booysen’s life showed how strong, loving, and positive a person can be. Even though she dealt with a rare and sad illness, she spread happiness that affected many people. Sadly, her journey ended just days before Christmas.
Beandri passed away at the young age of 19, but her story will keep inspiring everyone who learns about it.
Born in South Africa, Beandri was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome when she was only seven months old. This rare genetic condition makes the body age eight times faster than usual.
Bea Booysen / Facebook
The odds of being born with progeria are 1 in 4 million, and fewer than 400 children and young adults worldwide currently live with the condition. Doctors didn’t expect Beandri to survive beyond her early teens. But Beandri had other plans.
A life lived to the fullest
From the time she learned to talk, Beandri would not let her illness control her life. She only weighed 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and showed the effects of the disease on her body, but her spirit was boundless.
She went to school, wanted to be a teacher, and even pictured a life where she would get married and have twins. She was set on living like any other teenager, enjoying every single moment.
Bea Booysen / Facebook
On social media, Beandri discovered her voice. Her TikTok account, where she shared motivational videos and honest looks into her life, rapidly attracted almost 300,000 followers.
Her motto, “Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself,” connected with people globally. Through her posts, she not only shared her own experiences but also taught others about progeria, promoting awareness and kindness.
A mother’s heartbreak
Just a few weeks after celebrating her 19th birthday, Booysen encountered a sudden health emergency.
“Please pray. Beandri’s heart has stopped,” her mother, Bea, said on Wednesday. “They are working to make her heart beat again. Please pray.”
On December 18, Beandri’s mother announced that her daughter had passed away.
Her message, filled with both sadness and pride, described Beandri as a “lively personality” and the “last person in South Africa with progeria.”
“She was a voice and a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs,” Bea wrote. “She never gave up fighting.”
Tributes quickly started pouring in on TikTok as news of her death spread.
“Rest In Peace my sweet friend. I will miss you so much,” someone shared.
Many others shared their sorrow, sending heartfelt condolences to Beandri’s family and loved ones.
Her lasting, final message
Beandri’s life was way too short, but she made the most of her time here by showing us what really matters. She taught us to live life to the fullest, to love with all our hearts, and to see the beauty in every single day. Her joyful laugh, her brave optimism, and her drive to help others will always be remembered.
Even though her family has asked for some privacy during this tough time, one thing is clear: Beandri’s light will keep shining through all the lives she impacted.
As we keep her story in our hearts, let it remind us to cherish the moments we have and to live with the same courage and happiness that Beandri showed us every day.
Bea Booysen / Facebook
