Carrying Zuza’s Light Forward

It is with the deepest sorrow and reverence that we share the passing of Zuza Beine, beloved daughter of our colleague and friend, Dr. Dagmara Beine, and her husband, Ryan. At just 14 years old, Zuza lived a life that was both extraordinary and profoundly inspiring—leaving a mark on the world far greater than most ever do in a lifetime.

A Journey That Changed the World

At only three years old, Zuza was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer that would shape her life and her family’s path in unimaginable ways. From that moment, Dagmara—then a Physician Assistant—refused to accept the limits of conventional wisdom. She poured herself into learning everything she could about the root causes of disease and what it truly means to nourish the body, mind, and spirit through the cancer journey.

Her quest for knowledge and healing led her to the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health, where she became one of the earliest adopters of our Metabolic Approach to Cancer/Integrative Metabolic Oncology (MATC/IMO) training. Dagmara’s devotion to her patients and her daughter became the seed of groundbreaking work, including her book on pediatric integrative oncology.

Through her fierce advocacy and relentless dedication, Zuza had access to the very best of both standard-of-care medicine and metabolic therapies. Together, they explored every possibility—from cutting-edge treatments to lifestyle-based metabolic strategies. Because of this love and perseverance, Zuza lived more than a decade beyond her diagnosis—years filled with joy, curiosity, honesty, and light.

One of Zuza’s greatest wishes was to visit the Maldives, a dream she added to her “bucket list” after her relapse last year. Thanks to the generosity of so many from this community who rallied around her, that wish became a reality. Zuza and her family shared an unforgettable trip, filled with laughter, wonder, and rest. It was a treasured experience that brought them joy and togetherness in the midst of a difficult journey, and they remain deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.

A Voice That Reached Millions

Zuza was never defined by her illness. She became a global voice, admired by millions as a social media influencer who shared her journey with raw courage, wisdom, and humor. She invited the world into the truth of childhood cancer—its victories and heartbreaks—while always uplifting others with her spirit. Her presence was larger than life, and her impact will continue to ripple outward for years to come.

Her extraordinary reach has been recognized far beyond our community. National and international media outlets—including The New York Post, NBC News, and People—have shared her story, underscoring the profound influence she had in raising awareness for childhood cancer. These tributes reflect the countless lives she touched, and they ensure that Zuza’s courage, voice, and light will continue to inspire change across the world.

A Family Walking Through the Unthinkable

This devastating loss comes just one week after Dagmara also lost her brother—a devoted husband and father of two young children, gone far too soon at only 40 years old. The weight of this compounded grief is beyond words. Yet, even in this unimaginable moment, Dagmara and her family show us what it means to live with courage, grace, and love.

How You Can Support

Zuza would have wanted any donations to go toward helping her beloved aunt and young cousin as they navigate life after this heartbreaking loss. If you feel moved, please consider making a contribution in her honor.

👉 Donate to Support Zuza’s Aunt and Cousin

In addition, we at MTIH invite those who wish to honor Zuza—or anyone they have loved and lost to cancer—to consider making a gift to the Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health. Your donation continues the vision that Dagmara has championed: transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, and treated through the metabolic lens.

Together, we carry forward the legacy of Zuza and so many others whose lives inspire this mission.

Holding the Beine Family in Love

Please hold Dagmara, Ryan, and their son, Fin, in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers. May we honor Zuza not only by remembering her courage and light but by letting her story inspire us to care more deeply, love more fiercely, and keep pushing for a better way forward.

With compassion and solidarity,
The Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health Team