Beandri Booysen: Girl in South Africa with progeria dies
Born in South Africa, Beandri was only seven months old when she was diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, an incredibly rare genetic condition that causes the body to age eight times faster than normal.
The odds of being born with progeria are 1 in 4 million, and fewer than 400 children and young adults worldwide currently live with the condition. Doctors didn’t expect Beandri to survive beyond her early teens. But Beandri had other plans.
A life lived to the fullest
She attended school, dreamed of becoming a teacher, and even imagined a future where she’d marry and raise twins. She was determined to live like any other teenager, cherishing every moment.
On social media, Beandri found her voice. Her TikTok account, where she posted motivational videos and candid glimpses into her life, quickly gained nearly 300,000 followers.
Her motto, “Be yourself. Love yourself. Believe in yourself,” resonated with people around the world. Through her posts, she not only shared her experiences but also educated others about progeria, spreading awareness and compassion.
