Rian was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 2011. She is a patient advocate for the Breast Cancer Organisation Netherlands (BVN) and Zorgbelang Fryslân. Her drive is the continuous building and improving the well-being of cancer patients. She is a volunteer (Rayonhead and Inspirator) for the Maarten van der Weijden Foundation. Maarten swam the 11-stedenzwemtocht (200 km) and in doing so collected 11,5 million Euro for cancer charities. Rian is also Chairman For the Dutch Cancer Society (regional commissioner for education, attention and information ‘confluence for hope’). She is co-founder of a walk-in house for cancer patients in her home Province of Friesland, The Netherlands.