Benefits Coordinator Lead, SC Thrive
Bernard Basil Hasan is 70 years old and works full time for a non-profit, SC Thrive, which provides support and resource connections for vulnerable, under-resourced citizens in South Carolina. He serves as the Benefits Coordinator Lead and finds great fulfillment in connecting with people and assisting them in accessing the services they need. During his career, Bernard has worked as an auditor for state government, a commercial health plan, and in the hospitality (hotel) service industry.
Over the past 3.5 years, Bernard has experienced two serious, life-changing illnesses. In August of 2021, he was diagnosed with COVID and was hospitalized for 30 days, remaining out of work for four months. He believes his faith in God and the support of his wife, children, and faith community were key factors in his successful recovery. Despite how difficult it was for him to breathe while hospitalized, he never wanted to give up or quit on his faith in God. Then, on the heels of COVID, in April of 2022, Bernard discovered he had an elevated PSA of 22. It took eight months for specialists to provide a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer. He is grateful that there was no evidence of metastasis after his surgery and that he now has no detectable trace of prostate cancer.
Bernard is married to Marisette Hasan, and together they have two children, Bernard Hasan II and Sarah Marissa. Supporting, loving, and serving his family brings him immense joy — though he notes with good humor that his wife will not let him have a dog! His hobbies include listening to positive spiritual messages and inspirational gospel music, watching reruns of Andy Griffith and The Bill Cosby Show, traveling, reading, browsing thrift stores for great bargains, and cheering on his Washington Commanders football team. He also takes great pride in supporting the University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball team — three-time national champions led by Coach Dawn Staley. Bernard remains optimistic about the future, firmly believing that with God on his side, nothing is impossible.