At just 18 years old, Beandri Booysen faces a life-threatening challenge: a severe heart condition requiring urgent open-heart surgery. Beandri, who is one of only 150 children and young adults globally diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome—a rare genetic condition causing rapid aging—has inspired thousands with her courage and positivity.

Despite Progeria’s grim prognosis, which often results in death from heart disease by the age of 14.5, Beandri has defied the odds. Now, however, she must undergo surgery for aortic stenosis, a dangerous obstruction of her aortic valve that severely limits blood flow from her heart. To complicate matters, her aorta has also calcified, making surgery even more critical.

Beandri, a vibrant presence on TikTok, where she has garnered 269.2K followers and 372K likes, remains hopeful and determined. “I’ve been living with Progeria since birth, and I am used to it. I’ve learned through the years to deal with the challenges that come my way,” she shares. Her strength, she says, comes from her supportive family, who have always encouraged her to live as a “normal” child.

While her family’s medical aid covers part of the surgery, it falls short of the total cost. To bridge this gap, her parents, Pieter and Bea, have launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R150,000 for surgery-related expenses, including hospitalisation and essential aftercare.

As Beandri prepares for her surgery, scheduled for 10 October, she remains realistic but hopeful. “Please don’t feel sorry for me,” she says. “I am very positive, and I know the Lord is always with me.”

Her supporters, including the charity Caring Daisies, have rallied around her, and Beandri continues to motivate her audience with her videos. “I post to keep people positive and to raise awareness about special needs,” she says.

Beandri’s surgery is a major hurdle, but with the help of her community, she is hopeful for a successful outcome. “Every donation, no matter the size, helps us get closer to the care Beandri needs,” her parents say.

Support Beandri:

• BackaBuddy Campaign: Support Beandri’s Surgery
• Facebook Community: Join Beandri’s Facebook Group
• WhatsApp Community: Join the WhatsApp Group
• Follow on TikTok: @bb_unique_2005

For more information, please contact Zane Groenewald at 082 602 0735 or email Zane@backabuddy.co.za.

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