Andrew Bernhardt has defied the odds for 25 years, now he asks for Adelaides help to face his next challenge

Andrew Bernhardt’s adoptive parents were told their son wouldn’t live past 18. Now at 43, he’s facing his next challenge.

Andrew Bernhardt was not meant to survive past 18 years old, but now at 43 he is competing in a national bowling competition. Picture: Supplied

When Andrew Bernhardt was adopted at two-months-old his adoptive parents were told he’d never walk, talk or live past 18.

“Well here I am, 43, walking, talking, some say a little too much and living,” he told The Advertiser.

Defying all odds, Mr Bernhardt was born with too much fluid in his brain causing him to develop a range of disabilities and a larger than average head.

“My disabilities include, Autism, slight speech impediment, mobility issues, epilepsy and (I’m) legally blind,” he said.

“Even though I can see, my eyes can’t focus together as they look in slightly different directions.

“When I need (to) clearly see something, I turn my head so that one eye can focus on that item.”

Andrew Bernhardt aged two, he was adopted when he was two-months-old. Picture: Supplied

Andrew’s adoptive parents where told their son would never be able to walk or talk. Picture: Supplied

For Mr Bernhardt, ten-pin bowling brings him joy – a sport he’s been involved in since the early 2000s.

“I have a unique bowling style,” the Hallett Cove man said.

“If you didn’t know how I bowl and you were standing behind me, you’d think I would let go of the 16 pound ball behind me.”

Andrew with his medals from the 2023 bowling national competition, held at his local club. Picture: Supplied

Andrew started ten-pin bowling in the early 2000s and has been to the bowling nationals for the past 15 years. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bernhardt’s brother Ben takes him to bowling every Saturday morning where the Southern Strikers League bowls at Noarlunga.

“My team (is) called ‘Mean Machine’ (and) consists of three players … all who have disabilities,” he said.

“For every strike I get, I receive a reward of a snake lolly.

“Ben always makes sure he has plenty in case I have great games.”

Andrew with his ‘Mean Machine’ team member Gregory and Human Services Minister Nat Cook. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bernhardt has gone to the bowling nationals competition for at least the last 15 years.

He was unable to attend in 2022 after his dad passed away and his mum joined a nursing home – being unable to pay the travel and accommodation costs.

In 2023 the nationals were held at his local club but now once again, Andrew is unable to pay to attend the 2024 competition.

“NDIS will only pay for my bowling fees of $252 for the nationals and will not cover any travel or accommodation expenses,” he said.

Mr Bernhardt is on a disability support pension and lives in a communal house with other people with disabilities.

If you’d like to support Mr Bernhardt’s efforts to go to nationals, you can donate to him here.