Beandri Booysen, a 19-year-old TikTok sensation known for documenting her life with progeria, has passed away just days shy of celebrating her 19th Christmas.
The Sun reported on Thursday that Booysen, who had gained a significant following of nearly 270,000 on TikTok, died after bravely sharing her journey with the rare genetic condition. Her candid videos, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs of living with progeria, inspired millions worldwide.
Born with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Booysen’s life was shaped by this rare genetic disorder, which accelerates the aging process. Children with progeria typically begin to show signs of rapid aging, such as stunted growth, wrinkled skin, and hair loss, by the time they are 18 months old. As they grow older, they experience conditions similar to those of the elderly, including arthritis, vision problems, and heart disease. The average life expectancy for individuals with progeria is just 13 years.
Doctors had initially predicted Booysen would only live to the age of 14, but she defied those odds. In recent years, she underwent multiple heart surgeries and continued to demonstrate incredible resilience, fighting to extend her life and raise awareness for rare diseases.
Booysen used her TikTok platform to share her personal story and raise awareness for rare diseases. Her unwavering positivity inspired others facing similar struggles worldwide.
In her videos, Booysen frequently spoke about her experiences: “I’ve lived with progeria since birth, and I’ve adapted to it,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learned to overcome all the challenges and surgeries. I accept everything that life has given me.”
She credited much of her strength to her parents, who raised her just like any other child. “They made me stronger,” Booysen shared. “My goal is to show that each person with a rare disease has their own way of overcoming challenges and to give them the strength to keep going.”
Tragically, Booysen passed away just one week before what would have been her 19th Christmas, a holiday she had planned to celebrate with her family.
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