Help Alina Bojniewicz Recover & Rebuild Her Independence

On October 3rd, 2024, Alina Bojniewicz’s life changed forever. What began as a simple sinus infection turned into bacterial meningitis and a deep-tissue stroke in her basal ganglia (brain structures in charge of motor control, learning & memory, emotional processing, and cognition) and thalamus (brain structure that relays sensory and motor information, and is in charge of consciousness, sleep, alertness, learning, and memory). At just 20 years old, Alina suddenly faced extremely limited physical abilities, difficulty speaking, and months of hospitalization and intensive rehab.

But Alina is still very much here, and she is fighting every single day. Over the past year, she has shown extraordinary determination. She started relearning how to move by first crawling, then standing, and now slowly walking. She has relearned how to swallow and is now relearning how to talk. Through it all, she has never lost her spark. Alina is already a fabulous texter, filling friends’ phones with her infectious personality and perfectly timed jokes, proof that her quick wit and radiant spirit remain unstoppable.

Her favorite motto, borrowed from her dad, continues to guide her: “Bojniewiczs never quit.”

Alina’s progress has been inspiring, but readjusting her life to fit her new needs is expensive. Her family is working on transitioning their home to make it handicap-accessible for Alina. Environmental changes like this will help her rebuild her ability to walk, speak, and regain independence.

This journey has also placed a heavy burden on her family. Alina’s beloved father passed away unexpectedly just one month before her stroke. Her mother, Kim, has been at her side every day, serving as both parent and full-time caregiver, still having to work from home to make ends meet. Despite unimaginable loss, she remains steadfast in hope.

We are asking for your help to keep Alina’s recovery moving forward. Your gift will go directly toward:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions

• Adaptive equipment and ongoing medical care

• Essential living expenses that allow Kim to remain by Alina’s side

Growing up, Alina was involved in dance, theater, band, and she loved helping coach football with her dad. She was on Vernon Hills High School Poms Dance Team, and involved in VHHS Choir. In college, she was part of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at The University of Iowa and was studying the pre-exercise track. In Summer 2024, she worked in Yellowstone, and spent all of her time outside on a new adventure everyday.

Alina turned 21 this year, an age that should be about new beginnings. With your support, it still can be. Whether you know Alina personally, crossed paths with her radiant energy, or simply feel moved by her story, please consider making a donation. Every dollar funds more time in therapy and a better chance at full recovery.

Alina’s fight is far from over, and she refuses to give up. Let’s show her she isn’t fighting alone.

With gratitude,

Friends of Alina