Will Bohnak to Conclude 2,000-Mile Alzheimer's Awareness Walk

After 17 states, 2,000 miles and countless paces, is nearing the end of his Alzheimer’s awareness cross-country tour, but the journey is far from over.

Bohnak, 21, of Cuyahoga Falls, started the charitable trek last August in honor of his late grandmother, Mary Housiaux, and the many others who have died from the degenerative brain disease, he said.

Since taking that first step from his hometown, he hasn’t looked back.

At a steady 26-mile per day clip, he’s walked to Philadelphia, strolled through New York City and ventured all the way into Maine before heading down the east coast.

Bonhak crossed into Florida yesterday, and is just days away from reaching the finish line, he told Patch on a phone interview while striding along Georgia’s boarder on State Route 17.

“(The trip) started off as a dream, and then the fact that it became a reality is unbelievable for me,” said Bonhak. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. All I know is, I kept my promise (to my grandma).”

She has walked with me for all these miles, and in the end, has helped me find my way.”

Before the expedition, he partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association in New York City, which helped the young adventurer plot his route and raise money for his “A Journey for the Memories” initiative.

When the excursion concludes in Tampa, Bonhak’s plan is to turn his grass roots cause into a charitable company that will encourage people to walk and raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

To learn more about Bohnak’s travels, go to www.ajourneyforthememories.com or visit his Facebook page.

For more information on AD, check out on Patch.