Zuza Beine, a courageous and inspiring 14-year-old social media influencer, has tragically passed away, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions around the world. Through her honest and heartfelt posts, Zuza shared her journey with cancer, educating, raising awareness, and revealing the harsh realities of living with a life-threatening illness—all while radiating hope, resilience, and gratitude.
Zuza’s battle began at just three years old, when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. From that moment, her life was filled with hospital visits, grueling treatments, and the uncertainty of what the future would hold. Yet, through every challenge, Zuza displayed extraordinary courage and determination.
Supported by her family, Zuza bravely documented her experience on social media. Her posts were raw and authentic, capturing the pain, fatigue, and emotional struggles of her condition. But she also shared moments of joy and normal teenage life—her love for Taylor Swift, makeup, and the simple pleasures that made her young life vibrant and relatable.
This openness resonated deeply, earning her over two million Instagram followers who admired her honesty, positivity, and unwavering spirit. Zuza’s presence became a source of inspiration and education, offering a window into the realities faced by children with cancer, while encouraging others to support awareness and research.
According to her Instagram bio, Zuza had faced cancer—and survived it—five times, a staggering testament to her resilience and the care she received. Yet, despite her repeated victories, her courageous fight ultimately came to an end.
On September 23, her family shared the heartbreaking news: “It is with broken hearts that we share that Zuza died yesterday morning. She lived 11 of her 14 years with relentless cancer, yet lived more fully and gratefully than most. Her being changed us forever, and her dying will too.”
The family highlighted the significance of Zuza’s final video, in which she expressed gratitude despite her immense suffering. “It is no coincidence to us that the last video she made captures what she was grateful for—a testament to a life filled with both beauty and suffering,” they wrote. “More than anything, she wanted to be a normal, healthy kid. But what made her life so beautiful was how she faced the hardest circumstances, like her disease, and still lived fully. Even in unbearable pain—when she could barely walk—she chose to focus on everyday blessings, showing a powerful lesson in gratitude that deeply moved her followers.”
Zuza’s social media captured a delicate balance: moments of vulnerability in hospital wards and treatment sessions, paired with the joy of a typical 14-year-old’s interests. This blend of honesty and normalcy made her story profoundly relatable and inspiring.
In another heartbreaking note, her family revealed that Zuza’s uncle had passed away just a week before her own death. They asked that those wishing to honor her memory consider supporting his wife and children, reminding us of the ripple effects of loss and the importance of community during difficult times.
Though her life was cut tragically short, Zuza’s impact endures. She taught the world about courage, resilience, and living fully—even in the face of unimaginable challenges. Her openness helped countless people understand the realities of childhood cancer and provided comfort and strength to young patients and their families.
Zuza’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find light amid darkness. Her bravery, honesty, and positivity will continue to inspire all who knew her or followed her journey.
Her family’s final words call us to remember life’s beauty and the power of gratitude: “Zuza’s life may have been marked by cancer, but it was defined by love, bravery, and an unbreakable spirit. Rest in peace, Zuza. Your story will live on in the hearts of millions.”
