Events & Conferences

World Parkinson Congress

Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. George Ackerman's book, A Son's Journey, was featured at the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) 2026 in Arizona — bringing the Parkinson's community together, one event at a time.

Spark the Night

West Palm Beach, Florida

A historic moment in South Florida: for the very first time, the Historic Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach was illuminated in blue for Spark the Night — a powerful symbol of hope and awareness, standing with the PD Avengers and the voices of millions.

Washington DC Policy Forum

Washington, D.C.

From March 15–18, 2026 we came together at our nation’s capital with one united mission: to raise our voices for increased NIH funding toward a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Grateful to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, APDA, Parkinson’s Foundation, PMD Alliance, and every advocate who attended.

Florida Atlantic University 5K

Florida Atlantic University

We participated in the Community Spirit Race 5K at Florida Atlantic University on behalf of TogetherForSharon® — in memory of my mother, Sharon — to raise awareness and hope for a cure. I also ran as an Ambassador for Drive Toward a Cure, for every inspiring person in this Parkinson’s community around the world.

It Will Take All of Us to Cure Parkinson’s

Palm Beach, Florida

My wife, Grether, and I had the privilege of attending “It Will Take All of Us to Cure Parkinson’s” — an unforgettable luncheon in Palm Beach benefiting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. A beautiful afternoon of hope.

APDA Optimism Walk

Palm Beach County, Florida

I had the honor of attending the American Parkinson Disease Association’s Walk for Optimism in Palm Beach County — surrounded by love, longtime friends, and new family united in this fight for a cure. The hugs, the shared stories, and making sure my mother is never forgotten are what this mission is about. Life-changing, and a reminder of why I will never stop advocating until there is a cure.

Life Time Tropical 5K – Parkinson’s Foundation

Miami, Florida

Honored to participate in the 2026 Life Time Tropical 5K with the Parkinson’s Foundation — in memory of my mother, Sharon, for Parkinson’s awareness, and for every one of you battling PD today and your families. We are together in this always, to the finish line.

RunDisney with Team Fox

Walt Disney World, Florida

A runDisney race is anything but ordinary — you move with magic. From Kids Adventures to a full marathon, with Disney Characters, live entertainment, and commemorative Disney finisher’s medals, every mile is an adventure.

Building on Breakthroughs

George attended “Building on Breakthroughs” with The Michael J. Fox Foundation — a forward-thinking afternoon on the progress toward a Parkinson’s cure, and a reminder that real hope is here: for better care, more support, and ultimately an end to PD.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s Gala

The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s gala in the fight toward a Parkinson’s cure. As I always say, I can’t be in this fight — in memory of my mother, Sharon — alone. I was grateful for so much support, and honored to share the evening with Michael J. Fox, Tracy Pollan, and George Stephanopoulos.

Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day

Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, is a passionate community united in honoring loved ones with Parkinson’s, raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and embracing the power of exercise — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

Unity Walk 2025

Central Park, New York City

The 2025 Unity Walk in Central Park, hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation — walking side by side with the Parkinson’s community. I had the joy of meeting musician Mick Jones of Foreigner and actress Fran Drescher.

10th Annual Brain Bowl Luncheon

George and his wife, Grether, joined Tim Tebow at the 10th Annual Brain Bowl Luncheon to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Tim’s father is battling Parkinson’s, and Tim has become a heartfelt voice for the community.

Unity Walk 2024

Central Park, New York City

The 2024 Unity Walk in Central Park, hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation — a wonderful day advocating alongside the Parkinson’s community. I was grateful to meet Katie Couric, May May Ali, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Michael J. Fox.

Dance for Parkinson’s at the Boca Ballet Theatre

Boca Raton, Florida

David Leventhal leads Dance for PD® classes for people living with Parkinson's around the world, training teaching artists in the Dance for PD approach. Pictured with Sharon's son, George, at the Boca Ballet Theatre.

Parkinson’s IQ + You

South Florida

An educational session — “Parkinson’s IQ + You: Education for Empowerment” — hosted by the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Meeting Michael J. Fox

I had a special moment with Michael J. Fox — my hero and an inspiration — and shared how much he means to our fight. I handed him our band in memory of Mom, and in our photo he is wearing it.