The internet is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Zuza Beine, a teen influencer who courageously shared her battle with leukemia for more than a decade. Her family confirmed her passing on September 24, sending waves of grief through the thousands of fans who followed her journey online.
“We are shattered,” the family wrote on social media. “Zuza 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.”
Zuza’s story touched hearts around the world. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at just three years old, she fought the disease five separate times. Her Instagram bio proudly listed the victories, each one a testament to her strength. Acute myeloid leukemia is a rare, fast-moving cancer that starts in the bone marrow and spreads quickly into the blood, usually affecting adults, making Zuza’s long fight even more extraordinary.
Sharing Her Life With Millions Online
Even while enduring grueling treatments, Zuza never stopped sharing her world with fans. The Wisconsin family launched the Instagram account @Zuzas_Way_To_Healing in 2020 to chronicle her journey. The account grew rapidly, amassing nearly two million followers who watched her updates, dances, and candid glimpses into her daily life.
On TikTok, Zuza gave her followers an unfiltered view of life as a teen battling cancer. She shared get-ready-with-me clips, funny dance routines, and honest reflections on her treatments. Her videos didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of her illness. Fans witnessed her pain, her exhaustion, and her courage every step of the way.
In her final posts, she spoke openly about her struggles. “I’m going to be honest, lately my health has not been the best,” she admitted. “Physically and mentally. I have been in so much pain lately. I’m constantly on pain medicine.” Despite this, Zuza kept sharing her gratitude, showing the world how she clung to hope even on the hardest days.
Gratitude in the Midst of Suffering
Zuza’s last social media posts radiated thankfulness. She reflected on how her illness helped her appreciate life’s small joys—food, friendships, family, pets, and even the creative hairstyles she could try thanks to chemotherapy.
Her family described her final video as a meaningful farewell. “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 learned to face the hardest circumstances, like her disease, and still live fully.”
Through her posts, Zuza not only shared her life but inspired countless people to find gratitude even in the darkest moments. She turned her pain into purpose, teaching her millions of followers to cherish every day.
A Young Star in the TikTok Community
Zuza’s talent and charm extended beyond her personal updates. She was also a member of TikTok’s “Glow House,” a group of young creators celebrated for their positive energy and ability to inspire followers to “glow from the inside out.” Fans adored her, connecting not just to her story but to her humor, energy, and bravery.
Throughout her treatment, Zuza underwent three bone marrow transplants and countless rounds of chemotherapy. Each hurdle she faced became part of her narrative, showing that even in suffering, she could embrace life fully.
Family Requests Support in Her Memory
In addition to sharing their grief, Zuza’s family asked that supporters contribute to a GoFundMe page to help cover costs for the family of her recently deceased uncle. The page has already raised nearly \$80,000, a sign of the massive love and solidarity surrounding Zuza’s family.
Her story leaves a mark far beyond social media. Fans, friends, and fellow creators are mourning a life filled with courage, creativity, and resilience. Though Zuza’s fight ended far too soon, her openness, gratitude, and spirit will continue to inspire people across the globe.
