This is a story that, for me, touches far too close to home. A journey of a mother and son — two best friends — navigating the challenges, changes, and profound losses that come with Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progressed, it slowly faded Sharon from the world she loved — yet in doing so, it left behind something extremely powerful.

It left our Parkinson’s community with a fierce and unwavering advocate: Dr. George Ackerman (Sharon’s son). A son who has done everything possible to keep his mother’s memory alive, while turning his grief into purpose — fighting, pushing, and refusing to stop until a cure is found.

This story is not only about loss. It is about love, resilience, and the legacy that continues to live on.

As George would put it, 

“Sharon was the most loving, caring, and selfless person I have ever known. She always put her family and friends first, and her positivity was contagious.”

These are the very traits and qualities we continue to see living on through George today.

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Sharon found her happiness in family. She, like myself, tried not to complain or burden her loved ones with her symptoms or her disease. She, like myself, dreamed of becoming a grandmother — of loving and spoiling her grandchildren — and for some years, she was able to live that dream. Sundays were her favourite day. They meant her family gathered in her backyard, where she could play, laugh, and blow bubbles with her grandchildren. Those moments, simple and full of joy, were where her happiness lived.

But it wasn’t until around 2014 that the disease began to significantly affect Sharon’s daily life. From that point forward, it progressed quickly, and it became clear that there was limited support available for both Sharon and George. As they navigated a rapid decline, George knew there would be no better care for his mom than what he could provide, so he became her full-time caregiver.

“During my mother’s battle, I wish we had more support. My mother and I didn’t know anyone else who was battling Parkinson’s disease. We felt alone, and we went through every emotion imaginable — from fear and confusion to anger, grief, and uncertainty. A diagnosis has a way of isolating both the individual and the caregiver, even when you are surrounded by people. At times, it felt as though no one truly understood what we were facing or how deeply our lives were being altered,” George shares.

On January 1, 2020, Sharon passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and dementia. That same day, TogetherForSharon.com was born — a website and movement dedicated to her memory and to the fight for Parkinson’s awareness and a cure.

George’s number one mission in life today is to raise awareness about the disease. Through TogetherForSharon.com, he shares his mother’s story so that others feel less alone and more informed than they were when Sharon was battling PD .

“I’ve dedicated myself to advocacy by participating in podcasts, interviews, articles, blogs, TV, radio, and magazines. I also create and share videos to raise awareness. Every story, every voice, every share matters — and I’m committed to making sure my mother’s legacy helps others.”

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George, on behalf of everyone living with Parkinson’s disease, we are grateful for everything you do — for your hard work and dedication towards a world in which PD no longer exists.

And as I messaged you when I first read your mom’s story, with tears in my eyes…
Your mom would be so proud of you! And as a mother, I hope my son grows to be as strong and resilient as you.

IG account- @togetherforsharon

Website – TogetherForSharon.com