Parkinson’s disease impacts nearly 10 million people worldwide, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone. It’s a complex and often misunderstood condition, touching not only those diagnosed but their families and communities. Join this important conversation on mother loss and Parkinson’s Disease.
In this episode of the ‘Can You Just Sit With Me?’ podcast, I sit with George Ackerman, PhD, to discuss his advocacy work for Parkinson’s awareness in memory of his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman. George shares his journey from being a caregiver to a prominent advocate, emphasizing the importance of unity in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Despite personal grief and challenges, he continues to raise awareness through initiatives like Together for Sharon, his book, and a YouTube channel, aiming to educate and support the Parkinson’s community and their families.
LISTEN HERE
I appointed myself with secondary Parkinson’s because I didn’t have the disease but I was holding her hand through the whole thing.
George Ackerman
TogetherForSharon® It’s a Movement…no one is alone in this fight! In memory of George’s Mom, Sharon Riff Ackerman was created to raise awareness and hope for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
TogetherForSharon® was started as a family for the purpose of keeping, Sharon’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.
Connect with Together For Sharon organization here.
Main Points
- George’s Personal Story and advocacy work
- Importance of unity in the fight against Parkinson’s disease
- Importance of raising awareness
- The broader impact of Parkinson’s
Episode Talking Points
- 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
- 00:14 Meet Dr. George Ackerman
- 01:30 George’s Personal Journey
- 02:07 Challenges and Advocacy
- 06:30 Memories of Sharon
- 14:50 Global Awareness and Initiatives
- 23:25 Future Plans and Final Thoughts
- 28:57 Conclusion and Farewell
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with George Ackerman:
About the Guest
Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son) is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. TogetherForSharon® was started as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.
Today https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness.