Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Beandri Booysen, the 19-year-old South African woman who was known for her motivational posts she shared on TikTok, died on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Her family shared the news on social media, saying Booysen
helped raise awareness for people who have Progeria, which is also known as
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing
of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa's most beloved and inspiring young
women," her loved ones wrote on Facebook. "Beandri was not only known
for her vibrant personality and infectious laugh but also as the last surviving
individual in South Africa living with Progeria -- a rare genetic condition
that causes children to age prematurely."
Booysen's family said she" radiated hope and joy"
in the face of her health challenges and used "her unique spirit to
inspire thousands of people worldwide." They also requested privacy during
"this profoundly difficult time" but said details about a memorial
service will be shared "in due course."
As news of her de@th spread, tributes began pouring in on
TikTok.
According to The Mayo Clinic, progeria causes children to
age rapidly, with symptoms beginning in the child's first two years of life.
"Children with progeria generally appear healthy at
birth. During the first year, symptoms such as slowed growth, loss of fat
tissue and hair loss begin to appear," The Mayo Clinic noted on its
website. "Heart problems or strokes are the eventual cause of death in
most children with progeria. The average life expectancy for a child with
progeria is about 15 years. Some with the condition may d!e younger and others
may live longer, even to about 20 years."
The Mayo Clinic added that while there isn't a cure,
"new treatments and research show some promise for managing symptoms and
complications."
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