In Memory of Zuza: Girlhood in the Face of Diagnosis
Image Courtesy: @zuzas_way_to_healing
In the face of such pain and stress, Zuza Beine used her platform to spread the joy of girlhood.
Zuza was diagnosed with cancer at age three. She specifically suffered from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which affects bone marrow and blood cells. Since her original diagnosis, she battled AML five times and had three bone marrow transplants. She spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.
Like most preteens growing up in the digital world, Zuza began posting TikToks of herself doing trendy dances and other content in 2021. As her following began to grow, she started doing more vlog-style videos, letting her followers into her life with a cancer diagnosis. She would post get ready with me videos before her hospital visits, question and answer style videos, and shopping hauls on her Instagram and TikTok.
As she began to shift to more influencer based content, she gained more traction amongst bigger brands. She worked with different beauty companies, such as Kosa, Glow Recipe, Saie, in addition to larger corporate companies like Uber and Lego, and leaving reviews for her following. She is currently listed as the seventh most popular Instagram star on famousbirthdays.com.
Earlier this year, Beine joined a new Instagram campaign called The Glow House, which promotes diversity and confidence in young girls through its social media accounts. Through The Glow House, she attended different events and social media campaigns nationwide, which she documented through her vlogs.
On Sept. 23, It was announced that Zuza had unexpectedly passed away, ending her 11-year battle with cancer.
I stumbled upon Zuza’s page late one night and was enamored by her story. Despite everything, she kept a positive attitude and gave her followers a transparent view of her experience with girlhood. It brought me back to the days of buying new makeup or discovering a new skincare brand. It also showed me a side of childhood that I did not have to experience.
Many young girls and women found this same comfort in her content. She showcased an openness that is rare on social media. Her comments were often flooded with positive affirmations and others sharing their own struggles.
Zuza used her platform to spread awareness and education about childhood cancer. She showed her frustration, vulnerability, and above all, her gratitude. Her last post on Instagram stated the following:
“Being diagnosed with cancer has made me deeply grateful for the everyday things that many people often take for granted. Here are some things I’m most thankful for: Being able to taste the most delicious food. Being able to do different hairstyles. My relationships. My animals.”
Strike out,
Maura Rutledge
Editor: Stella Turner
Athens