Influencer with Rare Disorder, Who Doctors Said Would Only Live to 12, Dies at Age 28
Yahoo • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Michiel Vandeweert, a Flemish content creator diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder progeria, died at age 28, far surpassing the initial life expectancy of 12 years given by doctors.
- Progeria causes rapid aging in children and typically limits life expectancy to about 15 years; there is currently no known cure for the condition.
- Vandeweert shared his experiences living with progeria through social media, including Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch, amassing over 90,000 followers, and published a memoir at age 15 titled "Ik Ben Michiel."
- He and his sister Amber, who also has progeria, were featured in the documentary "How To Be Alive: Amber and Michiel," which candidly depicted their lives with the disorder.
- Following his death, Vandeweert received widespread condolences in Belgium, including tributes from the mayor of Diepenbeek and his favorite soccer team, KRC Genk, highlighting his courage, positivity, and love for life.
