BAC’s annual Fitness Inspired Gala on Saturday, Jan. 11, had the makings of a Hollywood movie, but these stories were not fabricated, glossed over or fancied up. They were real-life struggles and successes in a small town with a big crusade to live happier.

The top inspiration story of the year was awarded to 43-year-old Larry Donajkowski, a husband and father of three who works at Decorative Panels International. Donajkowski walked into Bay Athletic Club on Jan. 1, 2019, determined to take back his health.

He weighed 290 pounds, wore a CPAP machine while sleeping, and was being told by his doctor that they needed to increase his blood pressure medication. He took it one workout at a time and stopped eating when he was full, rather than stuffed. A year later, on Jan. 1, 2020, Donajkowski ran a half-marathon. He has lost 99 pounds and taken charge of his health.

By audience vote, Larry was picked as the most inspiring story from all of our “60 Second Inspiration” stories of 2019. These stories highlight transformations through fitness, and air Monday nights on the local news on WBKB-TV.

Here are all the honorees whose stories were highlighted this past year.

Donajkowski won a $500 Gold Card (gift certificate) to Bay Athletic Club.

Ron Garrow and Jennie Handrich were the runners up. Garrow has lost 56 pounds and dropped his A1C blood sugar level from a nine to a six. Handrich has lost 82 pounds and is now running half-marathons. Seventeen other members were honored at the Gala as well.