28 Sep
General Blogs

Our Journey: In Memory of My Mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman

My Mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman: A Story of Love, Loss, and the Fight Against Parkinson’s Disease
By Sharon’s Son, George

My mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, 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. She battled Parkinson’s disease for 15 years, but it wasn’t until around 2014 that the disease began to significantly affect her daily life.

Before then, Sundays were her favorite day of the week. We would gather in the backyard, where she’d laugh with her grandkids, blow bubbles, and enjoy the best meals we could find—after a passionate and hilarious family debate about what to eat and where to get it. I miss those arguments more than I can express.

On January 1, 2020, my mother 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.

Keeping Her Memory Alive

My number one mission in life today is to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease. Through TogetherForSharon.com, I share my mother’s story so that others feel less alone and more informed than we were. When we were searching for answers, we found very little support or information. I created this platform to change that for others.

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.

Supporting the Cause

We proudly support and raise funds for:

  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association (Optimism Walk)
  • Parkinson’s Foundation (Moving Day)
  • Team Fox – The Michael J. Fox Foundation

…and many other incredible organizations including Drive Toward a Cure, PMD Alliance, Power Over Parkinson’s and the list continues in any way we can help.

Each of these organizations has a direct donation link in Sharon’s memory on our website. Every dollar goes toward research, support, and the hope for a cure.

Building a Global Community

Over the years, I’ve connected with countless individuals and organizations across the globe—patients, caregivers, advocates, and allies—who are also affected by this devastating disease. Through TogetherForSharon.com and our social media channels, we highlight their stories and efforts, uniting voices to amplify awareness and hope.

Our goal is simple but urgent: to ensure that no one fights Parkinson’s alone, and to keep pushing for the day when a cure is found.

How You Can Help

You can support this mission in small but powerful ways: