A Different Kind of Strong
If buoyancy was a sport, Rian Beukes would be swimming in gold medals - and not just for the athletics he aced in primary school.
Rian’s story begins in Rosh Pinah, where he grew up surrounded by the laughter of his siblings, the wisdom of his supportive parents, and the thrill of being the fastest kid on the playground. A top learner, chess player, and athletics and rugby medallist, Rian was unstoppable, even when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Grade 4. “Regular sugar attacks and emergency flights to Windhoek became part of my childhood,” he recalled, but he didn’t let it dull his spark.
Fast forward to adulthood, and Rian’s prowess was tested, again. After years of severe migraines, a CT scan followed by an MRI scan led to the life-altering discovery of a tumour on his pituitary gland. He was only 22. “You hear about people with brain tumours,” he said, “but you never imagine it happening to you”. The diagnosis came just two years after the passing of his father. “Every time I rose, something would knock me back down.” Still, he chose not to quit.
Before the first operation after his diagnosis, Rian admitted to feeling overwhelmed with bitterness and resentment. “I was in the hospital, receiving strong medication in an effort to reduce the size of the tumour. That day, the reality of my diagnosis truly sank in. But after a heartfelt phone call with a close friend, I found myself thinking: God wouldn’t allow me to face such a difficult trial if He didn’t believe I had the strength to endure it.”
The day after the operation, Rian was in excruciating pain. “Even in the midst of that pain, a wave of calm and relief washed over me,” he said. A contributing factor to his speedy recovery was the unremitting support of his family and friends along the way. “I could not really concentrate in class. My results were bad, and I really did not think that I would complete my degree,” Rian admitted, but hastened to add: “We were not raised to be quitters”. Even through pain, medication, and academic dips, he forged ahead and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Today, Rian is in remission, exemplifying that purpose can still shine through pain. His message to others? “Don’t ever quit. Celebrate small things. Be kind. Life is short—live it with the mindset of a warrior.”
