It’s that time again. Next week we return to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Parkinson’s Policy Forum (March 15–18) — our second straight year advocating on Capitol Hill.
I want to sincerely thank the Michael J. Fox Foundation for their continued support, care, and commitment. It is truly an honor to stand alongside so many dedicated advocates.
Through TogetherForSharon®, in memory of my mother Sharon, we will once again be raising our voices to bring awareness, hope, and urgency to the fight for a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
This year we will be advocating for several critical priorities:
- Increase Federal Investment in Parkinson’s Research
Accelerate federal funding for Parkinson’s research, including reaching $600 million annually at NIH, to drive transformational discoveries for the millions of Americans living with Parkinson’s and related diseases. - Address Environmental Risk Factors Linked to Parkinson’s
Urge the EPA to take action to reduce harmful exposures that threaten our communities, including banning paraquat. - Support the HEALTHY BRAINS Act
Encourage lawmakers to cosponsor the HEALTHY BRAINS Act, which would establish new federal research centers focused on understanding toxic exposures and their link to neurological disease.
Each year, the Parkinson’s Policy Forum brings together more than 350 members of the Parkinson’s community from nearly all 50 states — including people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, clinicians, researchers, and advocates — united by one shared goal:
Turning lived experience into policy action that accelerates research and protects our health.
If you cannot join us in Washington, D.C., you can still raise your voice. Community members and supporters can participate through the Policy Forum Virtual Hub and engage from home.
Learn more: https://www.pdpolicyforum.org/
Subscribe and follow our advocacy work:
https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharon
Support our mission:
https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Remember: You are never alone in this fight.
I am advocating 24/7 and will not rest until you can.
— In memory of Sharon
Dr. George Ackerman
Sharon’s son
TogetherForSharon®