Beandri Booysen, a spirited teenage girl who exemplified “hope and joy” for life, tragically passed away just days before Christmas at the age of 19. She battled an exceptionally rare aging disease known as Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, which she was diagnosed with at just seven months old. Despite being told that she likely would not live beyond 14 years, Beandri lived each day to the fullest, facing the challenges of her condition, which caused her to age eight times faster than typical.
On Wednesday, December 18, her mother, Bea Booysene, confirmed the news on her daughter’s Facebook page titled “In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen.”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” Bea wrote in a text now translated into English.
Beandri’s presence on social media was undeniable, as she used her platform to “raise awareness”
Beandri was determined to spread positivity, despite her limiting disease
