Zuza Beine passed away on Sept. 22, 2025, of acute myeloid leukemia at 14 years old. She was a well-known influencer who used her social media platforms to reach out and inspire people.
Born in July 2011 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Zuza was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and battled with it for 11 years of her life. Throughout her 11-year treatment, which included three bone marrow transplants, Zuza faced her challenges with honesty and grace.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that affects the production of the three main types of blood cells. It can be cured in some cases, all depending on different factors like age, overall health, and the type of AML.
Her passing was a heartbreak to her family as they also dealt with the unexpected passing of Olaf, Zuza’s uncle, just days before. Dagmara and Ryan, Zuza’s parents, graciously directed all memorials from Zuza to be sent to Lauren, Olaf’s wife, to support her and her young children.
Ella Menefee, Zuza’s godmother, created a GoFundMe 11 years ago to help financially support Zuza’s family as she went through treatment. Their goal was $110k, and as of Oct. 12, they have reached 84% of their goal with $92,993 raised.
Zuza first started her social media journey to share her experiences with cancer and support other children who faced these struggles. Her initial posts focused on her fight with AML.
Her account, managed by her mom, reached over a million followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. She updated fans about her treatment through other content, such as “get ready with me” videos.
“She used it [platforms] to make friends and show people how to be strong and fight through all the struggles that they’re going through,” freshman Paige Anderson said.
Park Forest sixth grader Shea Cawley said, “Zuza used her platform for good, because other people that maybe have cancer, that are kids, she helped them learn that they can be strong too.”
Zuza’s content could be relatable because she openly shared videos of her crying, including photos of the effects of her treatment, and was open about her physical and mental pain.
On March 1, 2025, Zuza announced that she was joining The Glow House, a content creator house founded by influencer Gianna Harner. The house aims to have an uplifting platform that focuses on empowerment, beauty and sharing personal struggles.
Zuza became the sixth official member of the Glow House and went on many trips with them; her favorite was a trip the house took to New York City. She used her time with The Glow House to continue to connect with her fans and discuss her life experiences.
Her fans generally saw her as resilient and brave. Her death deeply affected many people around the world, especially her family, many influencer friends, and her best friend, Samara Bolter. She held a special place in the hearts of many who will continue to grieve for her.
“She was a very big idol to some,” Anderson said.
Zuza has left a lasting legacy behind her, as she helped many people around the world and assisted those struggling with cancer to find hope.
Many of her followers felt a personal connection to her. “She’s a teenage girl, I’m a tween, and she’s going through hard things and I have some hard things going on too,” Cawley said.
Zuza, a girl who battled with cancer for most of her life, was filled with strength and ambition, and will be missed greatly as her death reached many people in the world.
