By: Nikita Lero
At the age of 20, William Bohnak of Cuyahoga Falls is doing more than most people his age. He has already graduated from Fortis College with a degree in Criminal Justice, and is currently on a journey across the U.S. to raise money and find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Bohnak’s grandmother died from the disease when he was 15. Before that, he had seen her change before his own eyes.
“I could not stand to see my grandma change her style of living,” Bohnak writes on his website.
His charity group, “A Journey for the Memories,” (AJFTM) will raise funds through Bohnak’s travels and the efforts of his support team back in Cuyahoga Falls.
Bohnak began his journey on Aug. 1 of this year and will stay on the road, traveling by foot, until the end of 2012. Bohnak has already made stops in Pittsburgh, New York City, Plymouth, Mass. and Boston. He plans to stop in other major cities such as Tampa, Dallas, San Francisco and Seattle.
Bohnak is keeping his followers posted by updating his Twitter often, and keeping his hometown team up-to-date. His journey is funded by donations and supported by people across the nation who will give him a place to stay. He has already met many people who are inspired and moved by what he is doing.
Bohnak will face many obstacles on his walk, and already has conquered a few. On Friday, he began experiencing pain in his right foot when he arrived in Plymouth. After a visit to the Jordan Hospital, Bohnak tweeted, “I have a stress fracture in my right foot. Got a boot-like cast on it now.”
Even with his injury, He continues his journey and shows no signs of stopping.
Saturday was the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Bohnak’s team and family were there to support him and help raise money. With over $85,000 raised in donations at the walk, located at Blossom Music Center, AJFTM hopes to have a large effect on the nation and Alzheimer’s research.
Anyone can make donations to support Bohnak’s food and lodging as well as research at his website, www.ajourneyforthememories.com, or buy T-shirts or wrist bands to show support.
