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The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary, and I and my family witnessed a number of these with my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman. The symptoms began in 2005 and became full-blown in 2016. Eventually, she could no longer live alone and needed full-time care. After many harrowing experiences with doctors, hospitals, and caregiving agencies, and despite my own work and family responsibilities, I became her full-time caregiver. I had no knowledge or realization of what this entailed, but because of my great love for her and gratitude for all she had done for me, I was up to the challenge. The journey was torturous and aftermath heartbreaking for both of us and my wife and children. As described in my book A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about Parkinson’s disease and simultaneously recognized the paucity of information and legislation available to help Parkinson’s sufferers (although in July 2024 the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act was passed). My experiences with my mother and the tragically growing Parkinson’s community led to my becoming a lifelong advocate for a cure for Parkinson’s. Much remains to be done, and I established my website, with many resources, in her honor: togetherforsharon.com. This presentation outlines my journey with my mother, what I learned about Parkinson’s, and what as a male I learned about caregiving for a close relative. I hope my experiences help Parkinson’s sufferers and others with serious illnesses and their caregivers.
Dr. George M. Ackerman, Ph.D., J.D., Pol. Ofcer. Rsv., teaches college courses in criminal justice, business, and law. As researcher and writer, his unrelenting passion is advocating for a cure for Parkinson’s disease. To this end, Dr. Ackerman participates in charity events; addresses groups; interviews people with Parkinson’s, researchers, and advocates; gives interviews; writes about Parkinson’s; and conducts seminars on caregiving and loss. Dr. Ackerman founded https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ to honor his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, and increase Parkinson’s awareness. He has published three books, with additional forthcoming. Dr. Ackerman also runs charity 5Ks, plays basketball, and cherishes time with his wife and three wonderful children.