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Professor writes children’s book to spread Parkinson’s disease awareness, ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) News.
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Parkinson’s disease can be a tough topic to discuss with your children, but a University of New Mexico professor wants to make that talk a little easier. He’s using his own story to educate people about the disease.
Losing a loved one to a debilitating disease. UNM professor Dr. George Ackerman has worked for years to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease after it claimed his mother’s life six years ago. “She had it for about 18 years. I didn’t even know the word Parkinson’s, what it meant. She lived about I’d say 14, 13 years without really anyone noticing,” said Dr. Ackerman.
Dr. Ackerman has written several books about Parkinson’s, but he’s come out with a new book tailored to children and families. It’s called “I Love You, Grandma Sharon!” He said he wanted to explain what Parkinson’s looks like when it affects a loved one. “I’ve been through it, I’ve seen it, and it’s hard to tell your child or even an adult what’s happening to their loved one due to Parkinsons,” said Dr. Ackerman.
The book includes perspectives from a child’s eye, as well as the grandmother’s point of view, illustrating how the disease worsens as time goes by. Dr. Ackerman said he based the narrative on his own family experience. “I tried to bring our story to life, but I think our story is not much different than many others. You know, everybody’s journey is different,” said Dr. Ackerman.
Dr. Ackerman said it can be painful to see someone struggle with Parkinson’s, but early awareness is vital. “Some nights I don’t sleep, wishing my mother was still by my side and we did not have to do this, but until everyone else doesn’t have to battle this disease, you can be sure I’ll be out there fighting for everybody.” Dr. Ackerman said he donates all proceeds from the book to organizations like the American Parkinson’s disease association and the Michael J. Fox foundation. https://togetherforsharon.com/childrens-book-i-love-you-grandma-sharon/