With Mother’s Day being celebrated, meet Tanya de, Bruin – a powerhouse of resilience, warmth and wisdom. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, reminding moms that strength, self-love, and purpose can thrive alongside motherhood.
In the heart of Alberton, 34-year-old Tanya de Bruin balances the demanding roles of an attorney, devoted mother of two, and a relentless cancer warrior.
Growing up in Primrose, Tanya was an adventurous child who always stayed busy with sports.
‘I’ve always been a simple, easily pleased person,’ she reflects. ‘There was always something to look forward to – an adventure, a new sport. Netball was my favourite, and later, my dad and I took up cycling together, which became something we both enjoyed.’
Tanya knew from a young age that she wanted to study law. After completing high school, she pursued her Bachelor of Commerce Law degree at the University of Johannesburg and followed it up with a Bachelor of Laws.
Tanya’s dedication paid off when she was admitted as an attorney in 2016.
‘It’s definitely not the job you see on TV,” she laughs, “but understanding the legal process in South Africa has been such a privilege. I now work in anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, which is a role I really enjoy because it offers variety without having to be in court all day.’
Love, marriage, and a growing family
In 2011 Tanya met her husband, Johann de Bruin, at a mutual friend’s birthday party.
‘It sounds cliché, but it was love at first sight,’ she shares with a smile.
They got engaged in 2013 and married in 2014. At first, they were unsure if they wanted children, but by 2021 they decided to expand their family.
Their first son, Ruben, was born on May 23, 2022, followed by their second son, Divan, on August 10, 2023.
‘We wanted to enjoy each other’s company at first,’ she says, ‘but then our hearts grew even more with the arrival of our boys.’
Becoming a mother has changed Tanya’s life in ways she never expected.
‘The best thing about being a mom is knowing that your kids need you. There’s nothing like being their everything and their safe place,’ she says. ‘It’s an indescribable joy, and it’s something only a parent can understand.’
A life-changing diagnosis
Tanya’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her second child.
‘The day I found out I had cancer was the same day I was nine weeks pregnant with Divan,’ she recalls.
‘It was a gloomy day when I got the call from my doctor, asking me to come in immediately. I knew something wasn’t right. You just have a feeling.’
The news was overwhelming. Tanya had to juggle cancer treatment while preparing for the arrival of her second child.
‘Instead of nesting and preparing for my baby, I was going for chemotherapy every two to three weeks,’ she explains.
‘It was tough. I couldn’t do the things I imagined I would be doing during pregnancy. Divan was only two months old when I had to undergo my mastectomy. Not being able to pick up my kids and give them my usual hugs was heart-breaking.’
Faith as a guiding light
Despite the whirlwind of emotions, Tanya remained focused on her faith.
‘I never Googled anything about cancer,’ she says firmly. ‘I just relied on my faith. I knew that if I let fear take over, it would only make things worse. I trust that God has a reason for all of this, even if I don’t fully understand it yet.’
Tanya’s husband played an essential role in helping her navigate this difficult journey.
‘He handled all the admin for me while I focused on staying strong for our family,’ she says. ‘I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without him.’
Through the ups and downs, Tanya’s family became her rock.
‘Family and faith are the foundation that keeps me going,’ she shares. ‘There’s no guidebook for living with cancer. It’s about love, support, and taking it one day at a time.’
Finding strength in shared experience
Tanya has also found solace in connecting with other young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
‘Before my diagnosis, I never knew that young women could get breast cancer,’ Tanya says.
‘But I’ve met some incredible women who are going through the same thing. Having friends who understand exactly what you’re going through makes a world of difference. We don’t just talk about cancer – we talk about life.’
For Tanya, the advice is simple: ‘Get checked, no matter your age. Don’t assume it can’t happen to you. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. You don’t have to go through this alone.’
The power of faith and family
Living with cancer is never easy, but Tanya draws strength from her faith and her family.
‘Being a mom has completely changed my life,’ she reflects. ‘You understand how much your own parents love you when you become a parent. And through this whole journey, I’ve fallen in love with my husband all over again. He’s been my rock.’
As she looks toward the future, Tanya remains hopeful.
‘I don’t know what the reason for all of this is yet, but with God by my side, I’ll get there,’ she says. ‘And no matter what happens, I’ll continue to tell everyone how good He has been to me and my family.’
Through her strength and determination, she shows us that no matter what life throws our way, love and faith are the guiding forces that can help us overcome even the toughest challenges.
OFF THE CUFF:
- What’s your favourite book?
Bible
- Coffee or tea?
Coffee
- Morning or night?
Morning
- Dream job?
Living my dream
- Best vacation spot?
Beach bum
- Favourite movie?
Abominable
- City or countryside?
Countryside
- First love?
My hubby
- Ultimate goal?
Living each day as a gift not a guarantee
- Hidden talent?
Oh wow, I wish I knew
Text and photo: AZUSAKHE LIMBA
