Gerrard Kaonga
Influencer Sara Bennet has died at the age of 39, only three years after she was diagnosed with ALS and offered a kind final word.
Influencer Sara Bennet’s death was announced on Tuesday (January 13), much to the sorrow of her fans and supporters on social media.
The mother of two was 39 years old when she passed away after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) only three years prior.
Bennet often documented her struggles and triumphs living with the disease on her social media pages, earning supporters and well-wishers in the process.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic hospital: "ALS is a neurodegenerative condition that affects how nerve cells communicate with your muscles. It leads to muscle weakness that gets worse over time.
“ALS eventually causes your muscles to waste away (atrophy). Atrophy can make it harder to breathe and may lead to life-threatening outcomes.”
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Bennet was able to issue her final goodbye to her friends family and followers, having the post ready in the event of her death.
The post read: “I am not in pain, or tired. I can laugh, talk, and I can move.
“Reflecting in my last few months of my life, I am glad I didn’t go suddenly even WITH the suffering. I finished my list.
“Even if you don’t believe in any thing, I am feeding the earth, and my tree. I loved this life, and am grateful for the time.”
An estimated 5,000 people in the United States receive an ALS diagnosis each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The hospital also noted that there is currently no cure, but treatments are constantly improving and can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
Bennet’s entire Instagram page has been littered with messages of condolences and positive stories about the influencer.
In the most recent post on the page, it tells supporters what to do rather than send flowers to the family. Noting that any funds will go to supporting Bennet’s husband, Rusty and their two children 9-year-old Lincoln, and 7-year-old William.
The post read: “In lieu of flowers, Sara has asked for people who’d like to contribute to donate to the 529 College Fund accounts for Lincoln and Will.
“Additionally, if you would like to support Rusty, Lincoln and Will in the immediate, we invite you to contribute to the Meal Train that’s been established.
“Links for the 529 account contribution & the meal train are in the link in the bio above.
“Thank you for all of your beautiful words and messages.”