An interview in Memory of Sharon Riff Ackerman with Sharon’s son, George: My Mother & Best Friend…. on March 14, 2024.
Please tell me about yourself.
My name is Dr. George Ackerman. My mother passed on 1/1/2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She had it for fifteen years but the last four were most difficult. We started togetherforsharon™ in memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness and hope for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
We added this section “In Memory” to always remember those who lost their battle with Parkinson’s and the caregivers who keep their memory alive forever. Their voices will live on!
Please visit https://www.togetherforsharon.com/in-memory/ and share with anyone who lost their loved one due to this disease. It is my life’s mission to ensure they are never forgotten.
Tell me about your loved one who passed.
My mother was the light in my life. She was a school teacher and earned a Master’s degree. She sacrificed her career to raise my brother and me. She was independent, loving, and always there anytime we had a question or needed a shoulder to rely on. She never wanted to burden anyone with her own life. My mother planned, was very intelligent, and loved her family the most.
What was it like to be a caregiver (If applicable)
Caregiving is not something anyone can indeed plan for. I never even heard of Parkinson’s or caregiving before I assisted my mother during the final four years of her life.
I went through stages from burnout to grief to failure, to you name it. It did push the limits. Anytime we tried something to help, we came to a roadblock and could never find a cure, breaking my heart each day.
What family member had Parkinson’s?
My mother.
Can you tell me more about the individual? Background, history?
My mother was born in Brooklyn, New York. As a child, we lived in a small apartment. Mom’s independent spirit shined through daily despite her many tough times—losing her father when she was sixteen, going to college, and getting a master’s degree during difficult periods of life.
What do you miss most about the person?
Our talks. I would speak to her several times a day and go to her first for advice on life, family, and anything else. She was always there for me, no matter what.
What was it like to be a caregiver for you?
At times, it was tough. Seeing a loved one go from being independent to the final two years needing a cane, the final year a walker to a wheelchair to bed bound is an image that still haunts me today.
How did Parkinson’s impact your family and your life?
For the first 11 years, my mother had stiffness in her left arm, but she did not ever mention Parkinson’s. She could still drive, live, see her friends, and maintain a beautiful life. In the final 4, the disease crept up and took over her life. That is when I stepped in, and I just wanted her to be able to live without pain and some comfort. We were told by numerous doctors that you do not die from Parkinson’s; you die with it.” Sadly, my mother had no other medical issues and passed at age 69. I feel when she went for a trial study, they changed her medications drastically, and she was never the same again. Her health began deteriorating after that visit.
Holidays, her birthday and occasions like my children’s school graduations are not the same without my mother by my side.
When were they diagnosed?
Approximately during 2005. However, my mother did not share the diagnosis with me. It was not until the final four years that the disease rapidly started affecting her ability to live. On that day, I became her full-time caregiver.
What year did your loved one pass?
1/1/2020. A piece of me passed with her; I have never been the same.
What are your fondest memories together?
When my mother brought color books and bubbles over to use in the backyard with her three grandchildren, our mother-son danced during my wedding, and our long talks laughs, and even silly arguments over what takeout restaurant to order from tonight.
What else would you like to share about your loved one?
My mother lost 15 years of her life and likely many more after she passed due to Pd. However, Pd does not define a person, and my mother will always be remembered as an incredible, independent inspiration to me. I would not be the man I am today but for her sacrifices throughout our lives.
What memory do you want the world to remember forever?
Her smile, reliability, care, laughter, and being there for me 24/7. I only hope to provide that love and caring nature to my children.
Hold your loved ones, hug them, tell them you love them, and always be there to support them by their side. It meant the world to me to be able to be there for my mother.