Child influencer Zuza Beine has passed away aged 14, following an 11-year battle with cancer.
Beine, who built a massive following of 1.9 million on Instagram for her positive attitude while documenting her cancer battle, was first diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as a toddler, and had suffered five relapses.
Her family shared the devastating news of her death to her Instagram on Tuesday morning.
“It is with broken hearts that we share that Zuza died yesterday morning. She lived 11 of her 14 years with a relentless cancer, yet lived more fully and gratefully than most. Her being changed us forever, and her dying will too,” the statement read.
“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.
“More than anything, she wanted to be a normal, healthy kid. But what made her life so beautiful was how she learned to face the hardest circumstances, like her disease, and still live fully.”
In one of the last videos Beine took, she described all the things she was grateful for.
Beine titled the video, “Being diagnosed with cancer made me deeply grateful for the everyday things most people take for granted.”
Among the things she’s grateful for, she also listed small things like “being able to taste the most delicious food” and “being able to do different hairstyles”.
In an earlier video, she shared that chemotherapy had changed her sense of taste, leaving food tasting “like nothing” or “horrible”.
In recent videos she had also spoken about being in constant pain and barely being able to walk.
Fans and celebrities have taken to the comments to share their condolences, and how she was an inspiration to many.
“Thank you for your joy Zuza, and for helping us to find the light in the little things. Your impact for cancer awareness and spreading joy will never be forgotten,” one wrote.
“Heaven has gained another angel far too soon. I simply have no words,” another commented.
“So so sad to see you’ve passed away 💔 such a beautiful girl, life can be so so cruel. Rest easy free from pain now,” a third said.
Former Savage Garden member, Darren Hayes, who had met Beine, commented: “I’m so grateful we got to meet such a wonderful soul and I’m so sorry for your immense loss.
“What an extraordinary young woman. She spread so much joy to this world.”
Paralympian Bren Hucks added: “Childhood cancer is so unfair. Rest easy, beautiful. I’m so honoured I got to witness a small part of your life and positivity. She really was a gift.”
“I’m so, so sorry to hear this. Zuza was and will always be such an inspiration to me personally. She was a ray of light and beauty,” wrote Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert.
“She was honest, forthright and real. She was brave and kind and open. The world will be a dinner place without her. My love to her family and all who knew and loved her. No more pain Zuza, for you now there is only beauty and peace.”
Images: Instagram
