Zuza Beine, a 14-year-old social media influencer who inspired millions with her courageous battle against cancer, died Monday morning at her family home in Wisconsin. The teenager, who had nearly 2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, lost her 11-year fight with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.
Family Announces Tragic Loss
“She lived 11 of her 14 years with a relentless cancer, yet lived more fully and gratefully than most,” Zuza’s family announced on her Instagram account Tuesday. The heartbreaking statement continued, “Her being changed us forever, and her dying will too”.
Zuza was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was just 3 years old. Despite undergoing three bone marrow transplants and multiple rounds of chemotherapy over more than a decade, she survived the disease five times before it ultimately claimed her life.
Digital Legacy of Hope and Resilience
Through her Instagram account @zuzas_way_to_healing, Zuza documented her daily struggles and triumphs, earning a devoted following of 1.8 million people who witnessed her journey. Her TikTok account, which has since grown to 2.6 million followers posthumously, featured candid “Get Ready With Me” videos where she openly discussed the realities of living with cancer.
As a member of the Glow House content creation collective for young creators, Zuza balanced sharing her medical experiences with typical teenage content about hairstyles, food, and daily life. Her authentic approach to discussing chemotherapy’s effects on her ability to taste food and hair loss resonated deeply with viewers who admired her resilience.
Impact on Online Health Advocacy
Zuza’s death highlights the growing influence of young people who use social media platforms to raise awareness about serious health conditions. Research indicates that health influencers can significantly affect health knowledge and beliefs among young audiences, with nearly three-quarters of young Americans following social media influencers.
Her final video, posted just days before her death, captured her gratitude for “the tiny things” in life, including “being able to taste the most delicious foods” and “being able to do different hairstyles”. “Be grateful for the little things,” read the caption of what would become her last message to followers.
Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Children
Acute myeloid leukemia represents one of the most challenging childhood cancers, with overall 5-year survival rates for children ranging between 65-70%. The disease affects bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, requiring intensive treatment protocols that can include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants.
Children diagnosed with AML face particularly difficult treatment journeys, with approximately 25% of patients experiencing relapses even after achieving initial remission. Zuza’s case was especially complex, as she experienced multiple relapses over her 11-year battle, requiring three separate bone marrow transplants.
Celebrity Tributes and Community Response
Singer Noah Kahan, whose music Zuza frequently shared on her social media accounts, paid tribute to the young influencer on Instagram. “Zuza, you will be so missed. Thank you for reaching all of your hearts,” the “Stick Season” singer wrote, noting that Zuza “transitioned while listening to his music”.
Her family revealed that in lieu of flowers, donations should be directed toward supporting the wife and children of Zuza’s recently deceased uncle. The request reflects the teenager’s characteristic concern for others, even in her final wishes.
Growing Role of Online Support Communities
Zuza’s story underscores the increasing importance of digital platforms in connecting young cancer patients with supportive communities. Online support groups and social media connections have become vital resources for adolescents and young adults facing cancer, helping reduce feelings of isolation and providing practical information about treatment.
Research suggests that social media health advocacy by young influencers can have both positive and negative impacts on health outcomes, with authentic sharing of lived experiences often providing valuable peer support for others facing similar challenges.
The teenager’s final message to her followers emphasized gratitude for ordinary experiences that many take for granted, reflecting a wisdom beyond her years born from extraordinary circumstances. “More than anything, she wanted to be a normal, healthy kid,” her family noted, “But what made her life so beautiful was how she learned to face the hardest circumstances, like her disease, and still live fully”.
