The Way She Shined: Life Lessons from Zuza Beine

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Every September, we pause to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor brave young lives. As some of you know, my son is a cancer survivor. We’ve traveled this road (diagnosis, treatment, survival, and grief) with so many other kids and families. This year, the world mourns and celebrates one of the brightest: Zuza Beine, who passed away on September 22, 2025, at just 14 years old. Through her relentless journey with cancer and an Instagram account that inspired nearly two million followers, Zuza taught us more about life than many do in a lifetime.

Living Fully, Even When Life Hurts

Zuza’s story was one of resilience and radiance. She was diagnosed with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia at just three years old. She spent 11 of her 14 years in and out of hospitals. Her Instagram—@zuzas_way_to_healing—is a place of hope, honesty, and humor. Even on difficult days, she’d share crafts, dance videos, and moments of joy, reminding us that living fully doesn’t mean living without struggle.

Vulnerability is Strength

Zuza never shied away from sharing her pain or fears. In her posts, she wrote candidly about the “cruelty” of cancer, the exhaustion of treatment, and the anxiety of the unknown. Yet, by embracing her vulnerability, she gave others permission to do the same. She once wrote:

“It’s okay to be scared or sad. But I still want to find something to smile about every day.”

This openness connected her to thousands of children and families facing similar battles, letting them know they weren’t alone.

Kindness Counts—Always

Even while fighting her own battles, Zuza was quick to comfort others. Her replies to worried followers were filled with encouragement and light. She delighted in small gestures: sending virtual hugs, sharing playlists, or offering advice on hard days. Zuza’s legacy is a powerful reminder that kindness has a ripple effect, reaching far beyond what we see.

Gratitude Makes Everything Brighter

Despite endless hospital stays, Zuza’s gratitude never faded. She celebrated every birthday, every moment with friends, every day she could go outside. As her family wrote after her passing:

“She lived more fully and gratefully than most.”

It’s easy to focus on what’s missing in the world. Zuza asked us to cherish what we have. Cherish it, however fleeting it may be.

Her Legacy: Shine On

Zuza Beine’s legacy isn’t just about raising awareness for childhood cancer (though she did, fiercely, in every yellow-ribbon post). It’s about choosing joy, practicing kindness, and embracing life, no matter what it brings. This September, and always, let’s honor her by carrying those lessons forward.