Help Irene Breathe, Heal, and Return to the Life She Loves

Our daughter, Irene Bernhardt, is a vibrant, determined 20-year-old with a deep love for the outdoors, animals, and art. She’s the kind of young woman who could spend hours with her goats, sketch all types of animals and nature in her notebook, or share fascinating facts about insects she’s found in the pasture.

But for the last nine months, Irene’s life has been a constant battle to stay alive.

Since October 31, 2024, she has suffered 13 episodes of respiratory failure, each requiring emergency intubation. Irene is thought to have myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that causes profound weakness - including the muscles that keep her breathing. But she is also still undergoing a complex neuromuscular work-up to uncover the full extent of her condition.

More Than One Battle

Irene’s health struggles go far beyond her breathing. She has severe gastrointestinal dysmotility, including gastroparesis, which means she cannot eat normally. All her nutrition must go through a feeding tube directly into her small intestine. For the last 2 years she managed this well, even running her small goat farm and making soaps, cheese, and other products — despite being autistic and living with chronic illnesses of dysautonomia/POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

But a few months ago, an ear infection required antibiotics. This triggered another wave of gut dysfunction causing dangerous weight loss. Irene is now in severe starvation despite feeding, and she may need to start IV nutrition (TPN) through her port to rebuild her strength. She will soon return to Cleveland Clinic for further testing and treatment.

The Cost of Survival

Irene’s health crisis has left her with $35,000+ in medical debt and mounting daily expenses.

Her daily tube feed is no longer covered by insurance.

Travel and lodging for her extended Cleveland Clinic stay are costly.

Her parents coordinate their work schedules to care for her, but her mother recently had to take unpaid leave due to Irene’s declining health.

Your support will go toward:

-Tube feeding formula and supplies.

-Medical debt relief.

-Travel and lodging needed to return to Cleveland Clinic.-

-Basic living expenses during this critical time

Who Irene Is

Irene is not only a fighter — she’s a high-functioning autistic young woman who has worked hard to run her business and navigate a world that often feels overwhelming. Hospital stays are especially challenging for her, yet she meets each one with bravery.

She is also an artist, sharing her drawings and paintings on her Facebook page Purple Flower Fields. Her ultimate dream is to get her neuromuscular condition under control so she can return to her goats, enjoy time with friends, and perhaps become a public speaker to help others with autism navigate the healthcare system.

A Young Woman of Faith

Irene is a young Christian woman who stands firm in her faith despite hardship. She believes her life has purpose, and she’s determined to keep moving toward that purpose no matter how difficult the road.

How You Can Help

If you are able, please consider donating to help Irene breathe safely, regain her strength, and return to the life she loves.

No amount is too small, and even if you cannot give financially, you can help by sharing this fundraiser and keeping Irene in your prayers.

We will post updates as Irene continues this journey. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with her.