Beandri Booysen – whose bodily age would be closer to 152 – defied the odds with doctors only expected to survive to the age of 14.
A girl with an extremely rare disease which saw her age eight years for every one has passed away at just 19 years old.
Beandri Booysen – whose bodily age would be closer to 152 – defied the odds with doctors only expected to survive to the age of 14. The youngster from South Africa gained a large online following as she documented her journey with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
Her condition causes fast ageing in children combined with osteoporosis, which meant her bones were brittle and easily broken. Only one in every four million babies are born with the condition and Beandri was just one of 200 known to be living with the condition.
Two months before her death, Beandri had undergone open heart surgery, which her family say had gone well. She was taking time to recover and was keen to make it through December to enjoy Christmas with her family.
Beandri’s mother, Bea, made the announcement of her daughter’s death on the youngster’s Facebook page. She said she had lost her battle for life and thanked all her 269,000 fans worldwide for “loving her deeply”.
She said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspiring young women who always radiated hope and joy. Beandri was not only known for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving individual in South Arica living with the rare genetic condition Progeria.
“She became a symbol of awareness for Progeria and other special needs children using her unique spirit to inspire thousands of people worldwide. She never stopped fighting”.
Earlier this year, Beandri had said her condition “made me stronger and the person I am today”. She said: “I have a large TikTok presence to try and inspire and motivate those who follow me and keep them positive every single day. My goal is to raise awareness about other special needs individuals and show that everyone is different and unique in their own away and to give strength if I can.”
Beandri leaves behind her parents, Bea, 53, and Pieter, 57, and her three older brothers Jaco, 23, Herman, 21, and Ruben, 14.
