5/26/2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I was a professional musician my whole life. A short time after I jumped off a stage during a performance and came down on my knee and broke my hand. About a month later my finger started twitching.
I had an appointment with a medical doctor, and I was diagnosed around 11 years ago with Parkinson’s disease. He gave me medication to take but with no health insurance, the cost of medications was overwhelming. I was amazed as to how much money it cost. Fortunately, at the time I had the funds, but I started thinking about other people and thought this isn’t going to work. I wanted to make people more aware of what is happening.
It has blossomed into a life I never thought I would have, ever. I am grateful though because we help a lot of people through the foundation. I want to do this for the rest of my life and take this as far as I can.
I realized there is a struggle for those who were in the same situation. There are people struggling to pay for medicine or pay their rent. That realization became a driving force for me to create more support. No one is helping those people and that is where we come in.
What is the title of your book and what motivated you to publish?
I have 2 published right now. The third book is going to be published August 20,2023 which is the day I was diagnosed. The new one is called “4015 days” which is the amount of days since I was diagnosed. This book will be more from a caregiver’s perspective and how it affects my family, friends and the musical community, all people in my life. My family, friends, and the people I love.
I play guitar and I have played on stage with some of the best players on Earth. Many people are still constantly calling me and offering their support. It is incredible. I never thought I would be involved with this, I thought it was an old person’s thing.
Can you tell me more about the Deep brain stimulation procedure?
I had DBS surgery two and a half years ago. I wish I had done it earlier. DBS is not a cure; it is an effective treatment. I had very bad tremors. Now I have no tremors and I haven’t had to take any medications at all since surgery. I do a lot of work with Boston Scientific and have their device in my head. I do not tell anyone to do the surgery or change their mind, I just give my opinion and my experience. I turn it off to show the effects when it is off. It is not a good sight when I turn it off.
See more research on DBS at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562
When did you start playing guitar and become a professional in the music field?
My mom passed away at age 12 and that is when I started playing. I met a lot of people in NYC, and it was easy to move up the ladder in the professional field of music. I started at age 18 and have been very fortunate and blessed to have played with many famous musicians. They still reach out to me to check on things. There are a bunch of local guys that are outstanding and do not get the credit they deserve.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I started an organization years ago but I found myself doing everything so I decided instead to join with other individuals and bridge the gap between those who cannot afford having Parkinson’s disease. You factor in losing your job, and the costs of the medications and so much more, it was very difficult. We give money to people to pay their mortgage, and to raise awareness and help people who need it. It is a very expensive disease from caregivers to medications.
At DOB Parkinson’s Charity, we understand that every individual’s journey with Parkinson’s disease is unique. That’s why we provide tailored support and quality resources to help manage the condition and improve quality of life. We offer financial support, speaking engagements, and resources to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease.
We are a team of experts dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to help individuals navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I couldn’t really go out there and do my passion in music anymore. Helping the Parkinson’s community wasn’t something I thought about. I just sat down and started writing. I write something down every single day. I think maybe this is why I got this disease because this is what I am supposed to be doing on this Earth. I am here to raise awareness and I really do believe I am still here to speak out until we find a cure.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Most people we help, the biggest goal is to not need our help. It is amazing how many people are ashamed to ask or ashamed to get help. The loss of independence and the fact that people want normalcy is what we try to aim for.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
We refer individuals out to programs, but we do not actually have a physical location. I also have given guitar lessons for Parkinson’s patients.
Whether you need assistance with medications, doctor visits, or living expenses, we are here to help. We also offer a range of products, including books, videos, shirts, and hats, to help raise awareness and support our mission.
With DOB Parkinson’s Charity, you can rest assured that you are receiving the support and resources you need to live your best life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one manage Parkinson’s disease.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your organization?
We would like to have one of these in every single county in FL. Then everywhere in the state and then expand around the world. If we can change our area through awareness then the more people we help, it will spread to other cities and states.
What events do you participate in?
It was in Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton, FL we had local bands donating their time. We are having a singer/songwriter. https://crazyunclemikes.com/
How does this also assist the caregivers?
In Holy Cross, located in South Florida, we are setting up something that will be a forum for caregivers, free of charge. My wife will be speaking and talking about her experiences. I would like to have other caregivers also come and speak as well from the caregiver perspective. I feel caregivers in some ways have it worse and they are ignored. You must educate yourself.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Please visit https://dobparkinsonscharity.com/
Dan’s Biography
In August of 2012 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. After the initial shock wore off I went to fill the prescription from the Neurologist, no health insurance at the time, and couldn’t believe the cost!
That got me thinking about the people who were in my same situation and how they managed to pay for their much-needed medications, Doctor Visits and living expenses…
Fast forward to today. A core group of dear friends got together with the goal of helping those less fortunate to cover expenses and DOB Parkinson’s Charity became a reality!
We provide funds for medications, physical therapy and pretty much anything else that those who are dealing with this horrible, incurable disease need.
100% of your generous donations go directly to those in our community who are struggling with PD.
More on the DOB Parkinson’s Charity. Foremost 501(c)(3) Charity in South Florida
At DOB Parkinson’s Charity, we are a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. We offer a range of services, including financial support, speaking engagements, and resources to help you better understand and manage the condition.