Girl with rare genetic condition gets big surprise
"I did not expect her to cry and even I had to fight back tears.”
A Pretoria North resident suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome was given a treat when singer Brendan Peyper surprised her at her primary school on Wednesday.
Grade 6 learner Beandri Booysen was filled with joy when Peyper entered her class at Laerskool Pierneef to sing her a song.
Booysen was diagnosed with HGPS in 2006.
Tanya Fourie, from Select Music, said Peyper gave Booysen the first copy of his newest album, which was signed by him.
The album will be officially released on 7 April.
READ MORE: Laerskool Pierneef se uitblinker
“I think it is necessary to give back and to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Peyper.
“I did not expect her to cry and even I had to fight back tears.”
Beandri’s mother Bea suspected something was wrong when Beandri was four weeks old and she noticed her stomach looked different to her brothers’ stomachs.
The illness was however, only diagnosed shortly after Beandri’s first birthday.
READ MORE: Laerskool Pierneef spog met atletiekster
“We were worried and it was a relief to know what it was,” said Bea.
“But it was difficult to accept her life expectancy would be so short.”
The disease brings many challenges.
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Because Beandri’s skin is so thin and sensitive she cannot walk barefoot and bruises easily.
Beandri said realised she was ageing faster than other children and that she could die.
Her parents said every day with Beandri was a gift and they were cherishing her while they waited for a cure.
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