My Brother Ben's Story

I am honored to introduce my brother Benedict "Ben" Bautista… A devoted son, a protective big brother, a loving husband, a caring father, a loyal friend, and a dedicated US Navy Veteran.

Lifetime Friendships

Ben was outgoing and friendly, so he easily adapted when we moved to Las Vegas in the early 90s. He made so many friends, who ended up becoming part of our family. He was also always willing to help others however he could, especially with cars. He loved cars.

Naval Career

In the early 2000s, Ben joined the US Navy to serve his country and take care of his family. For 10 years, he traveled the world with his family by his side. On bases and aircraft carriers, Ben oversaw the safety of aircraft in his squadron. He excelled in every rank and position he held. He cherished all the memories he made in service. In his naval journey, he made yet more friends, naming them his Navy family. They remain close to his family to this day. Forever part of the VFA-27, the Royal Maces, Super Hornet Fighter Squadron.

Family Man

Ben was always a dutiful son to our parents and a supportive older brother for me and my younger sister. However, Ben’s most favorite roles were as husband to the love of his life and father to their three wonderful boys. Two are growing young men in college and the youngest just turned six years old. It was very difficult for Ben to realize he was not going to be able to see his youngest grow up and continue to guide his two older sons.

Journey with VHL

In 2016, while Ben was working as a network technician, he started experiencing vertigo (dizziness) and even passed out several times. These symptoms even happened on the job, so with his safety being compromised, he was forced to seek a medical diagnosis. It was discovered that Ben had a brain tumor and required surgery to be removed. Post-surgery he recovered well. Then, in 2018, he experienced the same symptoms that resulted in a 2nd surgery to remove a second brain tumor. He continued with consultations and monitoring. When more tumors were found in his kidneys, he underwent radiation and chemo. After the pandemic started, Ben needed the kidney most affected to be removed. He once again bounced back.

After I myself experienced similar symptoms of vertigo and blacking out, plus my own surgery to remove a brain tumor, doctors advised me to have a genetics test, It was this test that uncovered a hereditary condition that not only I had, but, Ben did, as well. That condition is called VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau Disease).

What is VHL?

VHL or Von Hippel-Lindau Disease is an extremely uncommon, genetic condition that is difficult to detect. It causes recurring tumors and cysts to appear in particular areas of the body, which may include (though not limited to), the brain, lungs, kidneys, spinal cord, bones, and eyes. The tumors are usually benign (non cancerous), however, some may be malignant (cancerous).

How to Help

Please help us, help Ben’s family through his untimely passing.

To learn more and help spread awareness about VHL and early detection, please visit https://www.vhl.org. For more information, also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VHLAlliance/

If you have questions about the US Navy and how you may serve your country or about supporting our US Veterans, please go to: https://www.navy.com and https://www.va.gov/

Thank you for taking the time to read about my Kuya Ben,

Arvin Bautista