Livingston Grandson's GoFundMe Funds Research Into Disease That Killed Both Grandmothers

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston native Jonathan Cohen is among people across the country taking part in the "4x4x48 Goggins Challenge" by committing to run four miles every four hours for 48 hours for a cause. In Cohen's case, he's doing it in honor of his late grandmother, Ziva Cohen, to raise money for Alzheimer's research.

"This is an ongoing battle," Cohen said on Monday, "and hopefully we’re one step closer towards beating this disease."

On his fundraiser page, he explained, "My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer's, a form of dementia, for three years. I've now lost both my grandmothers to this disease. Cognitive decline is a scary thing."

Cohen has never been a passive person. After growing up in Livingston, he's served in the Israel Defense Forces as an infantry combat soldier. He went to college, law school, and business school, attaining a JD and an MBA. He also served as a criminal prosecutor in the Bronx, and now works as a lawyer in New Jersey.

He says he completed 50 miles this past weekend in and around Livingston.

The Goggins Challege was started by ultramarathon runner David Goggins, who has encouraged people to post the results of their challenges and then share them with him on their Instagram after March 5.

"This isn't a fitness test," Cohen said on the page. "It's about resilience — something both my grandmothers demonstrated profoundly ... I believe in getting to the root cause of issues. I believe in solving problems at their core. Right now there is no cure for this disease. Instead of contributing towards logistics, I felt a more profound meaning in donating towards research."

"Love you Safta Ziva," he added, "This one is for you."

On Monday, he said, "Proud of the $11,500 we raised towards Cure Alzheimer’s Through Research Foundation. It’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish, and you don’t finish 'til you’re done."

Read more about Cohen's fundraiser here.

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