Influencer with ALS Announces Her Own Death at 39, Nearly Three Years After Diagnosis

Influencer and advocate Sara Bennett has died at the age of 39 after a nearly three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bennett documented her experience with the illness on social media, gaining a large and engaged audience before her passing.

Bennett’s death was announced on January 13, 2026, through a deeply personal message she wrote and shared on her Instagram account, @theanandapivot, where she regularly posted updates about her life, family, and health. In her final statement, Bennett expressed gratitude for the time she had, reflected on her journey, and shared her peace with the end of her life.

In the message, she wrote that she was not in pain or overly tired in her final months and that she was grateful she had not died suddenly, even amid suffering. Bennett said she had “finished her list” of things she wanted to do and expressed love and appreciation for her life and her loved ones.

Bennett originally began sharing content online in 2020 under the name The Ananda Edit to promote her lifestyle and professional organization business. After her ALS diagnosis in March 2023, she renamed her account The Ananda Pivot and shifted her focus to documenting daily life with ALS, providing honest insights into the challenges she faced as a mother, wife, and advocate.

In addition to her posts about living with the disease, Bennett shared heartfelt moments about her family, including her marriage of more than 11 years to her husband Rusty and her role as a parent to their two sons, Lincoln, 9, and William, 7.

In the months leading up to her death, Bennett also shared that she had prepared letters of advice and love for her sons, which she described as deeply meaningful for her and her family.

Throughout her public journey, Sara Bennett used her platform to raise awareness about ALS and to help others facing serious health challenges. Her honest reflections and vulnerability resonated with many followers, building a community around support, hope, and resilience.