Beandri Booysen’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of positivity.
Despite living with a rare and heartbreaking illness, she radiated joy that touched thousands of lives around the world. Tragically, her journey came to an end just days before Christmas.

Beandri passed away at only 19 years old, but her story will continue to inspire long after her passing.

Born in South Africa, Beandri was just seven months old when she was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition that causes the body to age at an accelerated rate—up to eight times faster than normal.

The odds of being born with progeria are estimated at 1 in 4 million, and fewer than 400 children and young adults worldwide are currently living with the condition. Doctors did not expect Beandri to survive beyond her early teens—but Beandri had other plans.

A Life Lived to the Fullest

From the moment she could speak, Beandri refused to let her condition define her. Though she weighed just 12 kilograms (26 pounds) and bore the physical toll of the disease, her spirit knew no limits.

She attended school, dreamed of becoming a teacher, and imagined a future where she would marry and raise twins. Like any teenager, she wanted to live fully—cherishing every moment and embracing life with courage and hope.

Through social media, Beandri found her voice. Her TikTok account, where she shared motivational messages and candid glimpses into her daily life, grew to nearly 300,000 followers.

Her motto—“Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself.”—resonated deeply with people around the world. Beyond sharing her journey, Beandri used her platform to raise awareness about progeria, helping others better understand the condition with compassion and empathy.

A Mother’s Heartbreak

Just weeks after celebrating her 19th birthday, Beandri faced a sudden health crisis.

“Please pray. Beandri’s heart stopped,” her mother, Bea Booysen, shared in a heartbreaking message. “They are trying to get her heart to beat again. Please pray.”

On December 18, Bea confirmed that her daughter had passed away.

In a message filled with grief and pride, she described Beandri as a “vibrant personality” and the last known person in South Africa living with progeria.

“She was a voice and a symbol of awareness for progeria and other special needs,” Bea wrote. “She never stopped fighting.”

As news of Beandri’s passing spread, tributes poured in across social media.

“Rest in peace, my sweetheart friend. I will miss you a lot,” one person wrote.

Many others shared messages of heartbreak and love, offering condolences to Beandri’s family and honoring the impact she made.

Her Lasting Legacy

Beandri’s life was far too short, but she used every moment to remind the world of what truly matters. She taught others to live fully, love fiercely, and find beauty in each day.

Her infectious laugh, fearless optimism, and unwavering determination to uplift others will never be forgotten.

While her family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, one thing remains certain: Beandri Booysen’s light will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched.

May her story remind us all to treasure the moments we have—and to live with the same bravery, kindness, and joy that Beandri embodied every single day.