PARKINSONZ ACEs
Adapt, Conquer, Empower Others

Meet George Ackerman
Dr. George Ackerman’s connection to Parkinson’s disease is profoundly personal. His mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, lived with Parkinson’s for 15 years. Her resilience in the face of the disease became a cornerstone of his advocacy. While Sharon’s symptoms initially had little impact on her daily life, they began to progress in 2014. Sundays were her favorite days, spent with family in the backyard blowing bubbles with her grandchildren and enjoying meals together—moments filled with laughter and love.

Sharon passed away on January 1, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of strength and kindness. In her final years, George became her primary caregiver, witnessing firsthand the challenges Parkinson’s brings. These experiences inspired him to transform his grief into action.
Shortly after Sharon’s passing, George, along with his family, founded TogetherForSharon® to honor her memory and raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. What started as a tribute has grown into a platform that reaches thousands of people worldwide. Through interviews with Parkinson’s warriors, caregivers, and advocates, George amplifies their stories, ensuring no one facing Parkinson’s feels alone.
As George explains, “My mission is clear—nothing will stop me until there is a cure. Together, we are stronger, and we are a family in this fight.” The organization’s website, TogetherForSharon.com, serves as a hub for resources, advocacy, and inspiration, with links to podcasts, interviews, and events supporting organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and Parkinson’s Foundation.
Dr. George Ackerman, a Brooklyn native now residing in Florida, balances careers in law, education, and law enforcement while dedicating himself to Parkinson’s advocacy. He authored two impactful books.
These works not only chronicle his mother’s story but also highlight the strength and perseverance of those impacted by Parkinson’s. George uses these platforms to engage with a global audience, spreading awareness and hope for a cure.

I had a special time with Mr. Michael J. Fox on 2/2/2024 and I was able to share how he is my hero and an inspiration. He was so kind, and I handed him our band in memory of Mom. In our photo, he is wearing the band, and I was in such shock from the moment I didn’t realize it. I also told him we support Team Fox & the Michael J. Foundation and we agreed we are all a family in this fight for a cure! He was so gracious, and kind and that moment changed my life forever
—George Ackerman
In February 2024, George experienced a transformative moment when he met Michael J. Fox. Sharing Sharon’s story and presenting Fox with a memorial band in her honor, George found solidarity with the actor, who has been an enduring inspiration in the Parkinson’s community. “We are all a family in this fight for a cure,” George reflects on that life-changing encounter.
Connect with George Ackerman and TogetherForSharon®
• Website: www.togetherforsharon.com
• Email: togetherforsharon@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: George Ackerman
• Facebook: TogetherForSharon
• Twitter/X: @togetherforsha1
• Instagram: @togetherforsharon
• YouTube: The Parkinson’s Connection
A Vision for Change: Hope, Action, and Unity
George’s advocacy is fueled by a commitment to ensure no one facing Parkinson’s feels isolated. He emphasizes the importance of unity, collaboration, and global awareness in the fight for a cure. Through TogetherForSharon®, he encourages families, caregivers, and advocates to come together, stating, “Our voices are stronger when united.”
The organization not only raises awareness but also supports research and provides a platform for the Parkinson’s community to share their stories. George’s ultimate goal is to eradicate the misconceptions surrounding Parkinson’s and push for advancements in treatment and a cure.
To join George in this mission, visit TogetherForSharon.com or follow his advocacy on social media.
The Questions
What is your connection to Parkinson’s disease?
It has changed my life for the bad but also the good. For the bad because I lost my best friend and mother… For the good because of individuals like you and the Parkinson’s Community who have now become my family throughout the world, together in this fight for a cure for all those battling today, in memory of my mother, Sharon.
How long has Parkinson’s disease impacted your life?
It has changed my life for the bad but also the good. For the bad because I lost my best friend and mother… For the good because of individuals like you and the Parkinson’s Community who have now become my family throughout the world, together in this fight for a cure for all those battling today, in memory of my mother, Sharon.
Please tell us how PD first impacted your life? What was your first impression?
We were in shock when my mother’s PD symptoms progressed quickly. We started TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon, to voice awareness & hope for a PD cure a few days after she passed. We wanted her to be remembered for her beautiful life and not lost because of PD. We thought a few people would see the site, but today, 5 years later, over 40,000 people have visited worldwide. 1/1/2020 was the start of www.togetherforsharon.com My main focus in life today is Parkinson’s disease awareness and hope for a cure in my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s memory. My number one drive is togetherforsharon.com I also participated in podcasts, interviews, articles, television, radio, blogs and magazines to ensure my mother’s story is never forgotten.
How has this changed over time? What led to that change?
I am still grieving 5 years later. Advocacy has been the only aspect that gets me through the days. Meeting other advocates, reaching others unaware of PD, and working side by side as an advocate for a cure is now in my heart forever.
What are your goals in regard to helping your loved one with PD or the PD community?
My only goal is that no one ever feels alone in their journey. I felt alone as a caregiver, and my mother had never met someone with PD in 15 years.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Reaching the world… literally. I advocate 24/7 and reaching the media and anyone who will listen is not always easy. Through togetherforsharon.com, I wanted a place where people could find information since I could not find it when I needed help. “My mother was the most caring, loving, positive person I know, and always put her family and friends first,” said Sharon’s son, George. We help fundraise and participate in events for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (Optimism Walk), Drive Toward a Cure, Power Over Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Foundation (Moving Day), and Team Fox, the Michael J Fox Foundation. All donations that go to those organizations have a direct link in my mother’s memory at togetherforsharon.com
What do you feel your biggest accomplishment or victory is so far in supporting the PD community?
Meeting, interviewing and joining together with over 1,000 advocates, People with Parkinson’s, organizations and families to advocate together is many ways. Also publishing “A Son’s Journey: From Caregiver to Advocate” https://www.togetherforsharon.com/my-book-a-sons-journey/ A Son’s Journey from Parkinson’s Disease Caregiver to Advocate. This book is, first, a memoir of and praise for my mother, Sharon, who was my best friend throughout both our lives and explores her journey with PD. The book is a heartfelt recollection of the beginnings of her Parkinson’s disease symptoms and my caregiving to support through her battle with PD. However, I also want to reach those who are not aware of Parkinson’s throughout the world. Until we ensure that others outside the local or regional Parkinson’s community are made aware, a cure will be further from our grasp. Others, too, may find the book helpful, especially for those suffering from associated diseases.
What are your goals for the future?
To continue to publish books and blogs and be there 24/7 for anyone who is battling PD and their families, and to never let anyone who lost their battle with PD be forgotten. My mother and all those who lost their battle still matter, and their families still have a voice. https:// www.togetherforsharon.com/in-memory/
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about PD or being close to someone with PD?
That there is no hope. There is always hope that we can change lives and make a difference. Just one person can bring positive change for so many. I want nothing in return but a cure for others. Sadly, in 2024-25, I find some shock that I advocate 24/7 because, unfortunately, I cannot bring my mother back, and I have not been diagnosed with PD, so I have been asked, “Why bother?” That is tough because in the time we are in, everyone should care, everyone should want to end PD, and everyone, I believe, must work together to share awareness globally ever to come closer to a cure through funding research, sharing ideas, and reaching those outside and inside of the Parkinson’s community. A person doesn’t always need a reward or anything in return for wanting to save lives and stop suffering, and I never want anyone to feel as alone as I did, and my mother did during her battle with PD.
How can others best help your efforts?
Team up, join together. I believe and will say it 100 times… together our voices are so much STRONGER!
What advice would you give to a person whose loved one has been recently diagnosed with PD?
You are never alone, reach out and we are here to support you!
What are you most grateful for with regard to how Parkinson's disease has impacted your life?
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my mother’s story. I am just the son of an incredible woman who deserved better then, and if we had a cure, she would still be with us. She was too young to pass away and missed out on 15 years of her life, struggling with Parkinson’s disease. I miss her every second of every day. She was my best friend. Sharon’s son, George
What fears do you have for the future?
I may be diagnosed, and my children and friends, and we need to find a cure NOW!