This Photo… Resilience. Never Give Up.
My trip this September 2025 to the Parkinson’s Policy Forum was nothing short of magical—but it didn’t start that way. With ongoing back issues, work challenges, and an unexpected family ER visit due to a stomach bug, every sign pointed to one thing: cancel the trip and try again next year.
But if you know me, you know I don’t give up—especially when it comes to advocating in memory of my mother, Sharon. I carry her legacy forward by raising awareness and pushing for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
Once I started feeling better, I geared up for the journey from Florida to Washington, DC—a city I’ve visited as an attorney and on family trips, but never for something this personal. This time, I was traveling to advocate alongside so many inspiring individuals I now consider family. People I’ve connected with for years through Zoom, Messenger, texts, and calls. This time, we’d meet in person. And I knew it would be unforgettable.
My flight was scheduled for 6 AM on Monday, September 8. I had everything planned for months. I arrived at Fort Lauderdale Airport early, parked, breezed through security, and found my gate with ease. Then, the waiting began.
The flight was delayed. Then delayed again. The gate changed—three times. Still, I stayed hopeful. Until we reached seven delays. By midnight, tension and frustration filled the terminal. And then the announcement came: The flight isn’t canceled… but we have no pilot.
I was crushed. I sat with my disappointment, the physical exhaustion, the stress, and the emotional weight of nearly giving up. But I couldn’t. Not on this mission. Not on my mom.
At 1 AM, I drove back home, 40 minutes away. I was devastated. This trip wasn’t just for me—it was for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. I thought about my mom. I thought about the people I was about to meet. I thought about the importance of showing up. So, with no sleep, I stayed up and tried again.
By 7 AM, I was back on the road, hoping the 10 AM flight would take off. And this time—it did. No delays, no cancellations. I boarded. I flew. I arrived in DC. Tired but triumphant.
Despite everything that tried to stop me, I made it. I showed up. And the rest is history.
Looking back, if I had given up, I know a piece of my heart would have broken. But I didn’t. Because when it comes to this mission—raising awareness, building community, honoring those we’ve lost—we never give up.
The Reason. The Purpose.
This photo means more to me than words can say. I’ll be framing it on my office wall because it represents not just a moment, but a movement. It symbolizes resilience, love, and my unwavering commitment to honoring my mother—my best friend—and fighting for those still living with Parkinson’s.
I never want another person to feel hopeless, isolated, or without support. I can’t bring my mom back, but I can make sure her legacy drives change. That’s why I created TogetherForSharon.com
I truly love this Parkinson’s community.
Sharon’s Son,
George
#PDPolicyForum #Act4PD
A forever thank you to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research—for giving hope, driving change, and standing by families like mine.