The world lost a warrior in Bernard Mariano Llave on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Bernard was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in August 2012. With only a five-year survival rate for adults of less than 30%, Bernard quietly and bravely fought and survived for eight more years. During his 45 years, Bernard lived fully, loved wholeheartedly, and courageously gave us hope while battling a disease that has little.
Bernard was born August 19, 1974 in Norwich, Connecticut. He spent his childhood in Oak Harbor, WA and his teenage years in Oxnard, CA before moving to San Diego, CA for college, where he ultimately settled. He attended San Diego State University and then went to work for FedEx Express where he spent the next 23 years.
Growing up, Bernard was smart, kind, funny and made friends with every person he met. He was always active. He played basketball, tennis, and ran track. He was in ASB, Honors Society, president of Future Business Leaders of America, and part of the Mock Trial team. Many friends remember him teaching them how to drive stick in his Datsun 280ZX, complete with a disco ball and colored lights. Because he was so good at making acquaintances, he always “knew a guy” and was always willing to help when needed.
One of Bernard's many attributes was his genuine interest and concern for others over himself. He made everyone feel special and like one of his best friends. He often ended a text with a heart or an "I love you." He was a great hugger. He never forgot your birthday or to check on you when you were going through hard times. If you were a runner, he always invited you to run a race with him and if you weren’t, he would invite you anyway and cheer you on.
In 2002 Bernard met the woman who would become the love of his life, his wife, his soulmate, Dee Christman. Together they would create b.strong, a foundation dedicated to raising money and awareness for blood cancers. Team b.strong raised close to $2 million for blood cancer research through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together, they inspired and gave hope to cancer families across the country.
After his diagnosis in 2012, Bernard found a new hero in his sister, Maribel. There is only a 25% chance of being a match with a sibling but amazingly, Maribel was. Through her donation and ultimately 2 transplants, Bernard and Maribel solidified a bond that few people are blessed enough to form.
Dee and Maribel, along with his parents, Abner and Lourdes, walked hand in hand with Bernard through eight years of treatment, at least 80 rounds of chemo, full-body radiation, three relapses, two transplants, two clinical trials, and three types of AML.
Bernard’s modesty was charming, and his gentleness thrived in stark contrast to his competitive and relentless spirit. When asked of his legacy, Bernard said, “It would be to never give up. No matter what you’re going through.” He was a man of faith and integrity. He knew the odds were against him, but he fought not only for his own survival but for the sake of finding a cure. May the sacrifices he made be a blessing to those who one day will not suffer because of him.
We are all better for having known him.
Bernard is survived by his partner in life and devoted wife Dee Christman and her daughter Elizabeth; his parents, Lourdes and Abner Llave; his sister and brother-in-law Maribel and Robert Frigerio and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Bernard’s family would appreciate your help in continuing Bernard’s b.strong legacy by donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://events.lls.org/sd/Bernard/bstrong
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