On October 19th, Emily Bernhard, a vibrant, healthy 21-year-old senior at the University of Alabama and member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, was suddenly diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) — a rare and serious autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to rapid muscle weakness and paralysis, and breathing difficulties.

Emily was first thought to have mono, but her condition quickly took a frightening turn. In just a few days, she went from walking and talking to losing her ability to move, walk and speak clearly. Her parents just happened to be visiting that weekend and recognized something was seriously wrong. They brought her to the ER, where she was admitted, underwent a spinal tap, and was transferred to DCH Tuscaloosa. Her condition worsened rapidly, and within 24 hours, she was moved to the ICU, intubated, and placed on a ventilator.

After nearly two weeks on the ventilator, all while remaining fully alert and aware but unable to move, Emily was transferred by a critical care team to UAB, where she began plasmapheresis treatments. She remained on the ventilator for another week, but was finally able to be removed from the ventilator on Nov. 9 and continues to fight hard in the neuro ICU. As of now, she is struggling to swallow, due to weakened vocal cords that are not fully closing, resulting in her aspirating on her own saliva. She is undergoing daily respiratory treatments to prevent further lung issues and has begun PT/OT to help regain some strength.

This life-changing illness struck without warning, as her doctors believed this was all triggered by a recent flu shot. Emily now faces a long and difficult road to recovery, including months to possible years of rehabilitation — which will include intensive physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapy — to regain her strength and ability to be able to walk again. Emily has been accepted to the Shepard Center in Atlanta for rehabilitation and will be transferred once stable.

Emily is a Somers High School alum (Class of 2022), where she was a dual sport athlete and honors student. Her parents, Carl and Jessica Bernhard (Davidow), have devoted themselves to her care and recovery—taking leave from their jobs in NY and temporarily relocating to Alabama to support her through this unimaginable ordeal. The financial burden of extended hospitalization, ICU care, medical transports, and future long-term rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy for a full recovery is overwhelming.

How You Can Help

Your generosity can make a tremendous difference for Emily and her family as they focus on her healing and recovery:

1. Donate: Every dollar goes directly toward Emily’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and essential recovery needs. No amount is too small — every contribution helps bring Emily one step closer to a full recovery.

2. Share: Please share this GoFundMe page with your friends, family, and community. The more people who hear Emily’s story, the more support we can rally around her.

Emily’s strength and determination are extraordinary, but she cannot do this alone. With your support, we can help her overcome this devastating illness and give her the best possible chance at a full recovery and get back to doing everything she loved before this occurred.