Beandri Booysen’s life was a powerful testament to resilience, love, and positivity. Despite living with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare condition that ages the body rapidly, she radiated joy and touched thousands of lives.
Born in South Africa, Beandri was diagnosed at seven months old. Doctors didn’t expect her to live past her early teens, but she defied the odds, passing away at 19—just days before Christmas.
Though she weighed just 12 kg, her spirit was boundless. She attended school, dreamed of becoming a teacher, and shared her life on TikTok, where nearly 300,000 followers were inspired by her message: “Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself.”
Her mother, Bea, called her the “last surviving person in South Africa with progeria” and a “symbol of awareness.” After a sudden health crisis, Beandri passed on December 18.
Tributes poured in online, remembering her courage, joy, and unwavering hope. Her legacy continues to inspire—reminding us all to live fully and love deeply.