By Sharon’s Son, George
Videos & Messages from many battling PD, Caregivers and Advocates
https://www.togetherforsharon.com/pd-warriors-celebrities/
Sports Athletes
Muhammad Ali
(George, 2022).
Muhammad Ali was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion with an impressive 56-win record (Piccotti, 2025). He inspired the world and gave hope to so many through his boxing tactics and impeccable words. Ali was also a philanthropist and an Olympic gold medalist and in 1964 won the world heavyweight boxing championship.
After retiring from boxing, Ali battled Parkinson’s Disease. A study showed that Ali likely had PD prior to his diagnosis due to speech patterns and symptoms (Skiver, 2017).
You can find a message from Rasheda Ali and Sharon’s Son, George here https://www.togetherforsharon.com/pd-warriors-celebrities/ or direct at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHXOSm4KBi4
An interview with Maryum “May May” Ali, Public Speaker & Social Worker on Advocacy https://www.togetherforsharon.com/maryum-may-may-ali-public-speaker-social-worker-on-advocacy/
Brett Favre
(Cameo, 2024)
You can find a direct message from Brett and Sharon’s Son, George here https://www.togetherforsharon.com/pd-warriors-celebrities/ or direct at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP769goHbs
Favre is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) and helped the Green Bay Packers advance farther in the playoffs than any other Packer team since 1967, which was the season the Packers last won the championship in Super Bowl II.
… “Brett Favre disclosed during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative nervous system disorder that causes parts of the brain to deteriorate and affects movement” (Thai & Olivieri, 2024).
Bernie Kosar
You can find a direct message from Brett and Sharon’s Son, George here https://www.togetherforsharon.com/pd-warriors-celebrities/
Bernie also joined Q & A with Sharon’s son, George Episode 121: Bernie Kosar NFL Legend
https://youtu.be/FK0H8cRbUjM
Kosar is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League. Bernie is also a PD warrior and sends his message of hope and we are advocating side by side until a cure is found and at all our doorsteps.
“…scrambling is just the opposite of running away. It is facing problems head-on” (Kosar19, 2024).
Bernie played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team to a national championship in 1983.
Brian Grant
(Brian Grant Foundation)
(DIFFERENT BRAINS, 2025).
Q & A with Sharon’s son, George. Episode 66 Special Guest: Amy Lavallee Brian Grant Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzVZlpmyoqA
Interview with Katrina Kahl the Executive Director of the Brian Grant Foundation https://www.togetherforsharon.com/katrina-kahl-of-the-brian-grant-foundation/
Brian Grant is a former National Basketball League superstar who played for the Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angels Lakers, Pheonix Suns and Miami Heat. He was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s and has become a spokesperson and advocate. He promotes exercise to slow the progression and started the Brian Grant Foundation https://briangrant.org/ to “empower” people with PD and enable them to “lead active and fulfilling lives” (Briand Grant Foundation, 2024)
Grant told Brain and Life Magazine “he felt absolutely helpless. I just stared out the window. When Grant didn’t respond, the neurologist asked him what he was thinking. “I joked, ‘I think your scale must be off because it said I was eight or nine pounds heavier than I thought” (Laliberter, 2016).
Kirk Gibson
(Kirk Gibson Foundation)
Kirk Gibson is a former Major League Baseball player and commentator with the Detroit Tigers. He was the MVP in 1988 and is a hero in the sport.
According to Gibson, “I felt overwhelmed and wasn’t sure what this meant but was thinking the worst. I had encountered many negative thoughts on the field and overcame them by constantly affirming positive experiences…remembering how good success made me feel. I will use this again as I compete against my new opponent…Parkinson’s Disease” (Kirk Gibson Foundation, 203).
His foundation continues to advocate for those battling PD today through programs, exercise and a state-of-the-art center for those diagnosed with PD. “This mission is set to expand even further as plans are finalized for the physical manifestation of the Foundation’s mission” (Kirk Gibson Foundation, 203).
https://www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/
Cam Gibson also joined Q & A with Sharon’s son, George in 2024.
Q & A with Sharon’s son, George Episode 137 Special Guest Cam Gibson The Kirk Gibson Foundation
https://youtu.be/37lUvSQUaSM
Ben Petrick
Ben is Major League Baseball Player who was diagnosed with Pd during is career and retired in 2004. He played with the Colorado Rockies and Detroit Tigers. “He revealed that as time went on, it had become clear that despite the medication and treatment he was receiving, the effects of Parkinson’s would no longer allow him to play baseball at a high level” (ESPN, 2024). Petrick also noted was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after the 1999 season. Petrick’s father also suffers from Parkinson’s disease.
Dave Parker
(Pinterest- Dave Parker, 2025).
“The Cobra.” Dave Parker is a former major league baseball player. He played with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. According to Lason (2017), “Parker vows Parkinson’s disease will not stop him from enjoying life.” Parker founded “The Dave Parker 39 Foundation, Inc., will provide the community with education resources about Parkinson’s Disease to improve quality of life for individuals living with the disease; to promote healthy living in the community at large, as well as senior citizens. The proceeds will go to nationally recognized entities engaged in research needed to advance the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, assist in finding a cure for the disease, and to support patients and caregivers” (Dave Parker Foundation, 2025).
I have been in contact with Mr. Parker’s manager to advocate together. He was not feeling well at the time, and we lost touch, but we do wish him well.
Entertainers
(Movie and Comedy)
Richard Lewis
(Mastrangelo, 2024).
Comedian and actor Lewis brought joy to the faces of so many worldwide. “Lewis announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, had undergone several surgeries, and was retiring from stand-up comedy” (Mastrangelo, 2024). Lewis starred in many television hits and the show Anything But Love and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He was also in movies including Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Leaving Las Vegas.
Sadly, I was in contact with Mr. Lewis’s manager about him possibly appearing on our Podcast for awareness. At the time he said Mr. Lewis was not doing appearances but to reach out again soon. A month passed and the news rang out across the country that Mr. Lewis had passed. Truly heartbreaking.
Alan Alda
(CBS News, 2013)
The famous actor of television show “Mash” lasted over a decade and broke television records. In an interview with People Magazine, Alda stated “I’m feeling good and charging ahead. Doing everything I can to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, which really can be slowed with work” (Jordan, 2022). He participated in exercise and discussed the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease.
Oddly enough I met Mr. Alda when I was a teenager… well I walked by him and his wife. We had just left a Broadway Show in Manhattan, New York and my parents said “do you see that gentleman? That is actor Alan Alda.” I recalled him from television and thought it was great that he was so active in the arts.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is an author and actor and of movies like “Back to the Future” and television shows like “Family Ties.” Mr. Foz was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and instead of living a private life has dedicated his days advocating for a cure for all those battling today. He founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research which raises funds for research toward a cure (MJFF, 2024). The MJFF also holds community events throughout the world to advocate, inspire and keep hope alive.
I had a special time with Mr. Michael J. Fox on 2/2/2024 and I was able to share how he is my hero and an inspiration. He was so kind, and I handed him our band in memory of Mom. In our photo, he is wearing the TogetherForSharon® band, and I was in such shock from the moment I didn’t realize it. I also told him we support Team Fox & the Michael J. Foundation, and we agreed we are all a family in this fight for a cure! He was so gracious, and kind and that moment changed my life forever.
Bob Hoskins
(HELLO!, 2012).
Hoskins is a well-known actor for films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Snow White and the Huntsman.
He was forced to retire when he discovered his PD diagnoses. It was reported he was diagnosed in 2011 (Huffington Post, 2012). He once stated “Bob is now looking forward to his retirement with his family, and would greatly appreciate that his privacy be respected at this time” (Wilkes, 2012).
Billy Connolly
(Etienne, 2023).
Sir Billy Connolly is a comedian, artist and actor from films like Indecent Proposal (1993), Pocahontas (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Last Samurai (2003), Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004), The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008), Brave (2012), and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).
My favorite ever is Jim Henson’s Muppet Treasure Island! Great for the kids!
In 2023, he discussed is PD Diagnoses on the BBC, “I’m clumsy and I lose my balance. I’m out of balance a lot and I fall,” he said. “I’m fed up with it” (Etienne, 2023). He discusses how it has “radically” changed his life, but he fights through thanking his own sense of humor. He also believes being positive is critical about has had falls and uses a stick but at times a wheelchair to get around.
Connolly also stated, “My life, it’s slipping away and I can feel it and I should,” he said in a clip from the film. “I’m 75, I’m near the end. I’m a damn sight nearer the end than I am the beginning. But it doesn’t frighten me, it’s an adventure and it is quite interesting to see myself slipping away” (Etienne, 2023)
I have reached out a few times to Billy but no reply yet… please support him at billyconnolly.com
Musicians
Neil Diamond
(Greene, 2019). RollingStone
A singer and songwriter who has best-selling records and songs such as “Sweet Caroline” that rings through the halls around the world at many homes, parties and music halls. This legend of music recently provided a new show on Broadway and now throughout theaters across the world called “A Beautiful Noise” which we have tickets to see. It is a jukebox musical based on the life and music of Neil Diamond.
My family had the privilege of seeing the Musical in January 2025.
Diamond has a tough journey accepting his diagnosis which as symptoms progressed forced him to retire from his music career (Ushe, 2023). He wrote he did not want to accept his diagnoses when medical professionals told him, and he brushed it off.
Ozzy Osbourne
(Savenok, 2020)
You can find a direct message from Jack Osbourne, Ozzy’s Son and Sharon’s Son, George here https://www.togetherforsharon.com/pd-warriors-celebrities/
The Prince of Darkness has become a heavy metal rock icon with the band Black Sabbath. He has sold over 100 million albums and has become a household name and beloved throughout the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and stared in one of the first ever television reality shows called the Osbournes.
Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in February of 2020. Ozzy stated “It’s been terribly challenging for us all. I did my last show New Year’s Eve at The Forum,” Osbourne, 71, said referring to his Dec. 31, 2018 show in Los Angeles. “Then I had a bad fall. I had to have surgery on my neck, which screwed all my nerves” (Fieldstadt, 2020).
Support Ozzy at https://www.ozzy.com/
Linda Ronstadt
(Runtagh, 2019).
A rock and country singer who has been on top of the music charts for decades and won several award-winning achievements from a Tony Award to being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2019, Ronstadt spoke to CBS about her battle with Parkinson’s disease. According to People Magazine, “she says she first experienced vocal difficulties back in 2000 and the problem became progressively worse. Within a few years, she was forced to shout rather than sing during her packed performances. By 2009 she announced her retirement from the concert stage, and four years later she received her life-changing diagnosis” (Runtagh, 2019). She remained optimistic on research and hope for a cure for Parkinson’s.
Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire)
(Friedlander, 2018).
Ironically my wife, Grether and I attended a Lionel Ritchie concert in 2024 and Earth, Wind & Fire was the opening band. We truly enjoyed our time and then when I got home, I found out Mr. White, the original singer, passed due to PD. I reached out to the Band, and they liked a post we provided in memory of Mr. White. It was a beautiful moment.
White was a musician and founder of the band “Earth, Wind & Fire.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and created some of the most memorable all time music in history still played today through the world.
On the morning of February 4, 2016, White died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home from the effects of Parkinson’s disease, at the age of 74. He was a hero to many. White kept is diagnosis a secret for many years. “I just got tired of not talking about it,” White said. “I had pretty much disappeared from the scene; a lot of people had not seen me in a long time, and they started wondering what was happening” (Epstein, 2000).
Political Figures
Janet Reno
Reno was a lawyer and the first female United States Attorney General. A leader in the Democrat Party who resided in Miami, Florida.
Sadly, she passed in 2016 due to complications of Parkinson’s. Reno was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1995 while she was still in office and continued to work in politics after her diagnosis, the New York Times reports. She disclosed the news that she had the illness in November 1995 and said that she came to a diagnosis after her left hand started shaking. Then 57, Reno said she felt strong, took long walks, and didn’t “feel like [she had] any impairment” (Miller, 2016).
You can find a photo of Sharon’s Son, George with Janet Reno here- In Memory of Janet Reno https://www.togetherforsharon.com/in-memory-of-janet-reno/
Astronaut
Michael Rich Clifford
(Farley, Brain & Life, 2012)
Clifford was a NASA astronaut who flew missions in 1992, 1994 and 1996 and former United States Veteran with the Army.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1994. He was not public with the diagnosis until 2011 when he became a public advocate (Michael J. Fox Foundation, 2024).
In 2012 Clifford shared “that people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) shouldn’t let it drive what [they] do.” (Farley, 2012). He was determined, driven and despite PD never gave up advocating for others.
References
Brian Grant Foundation (2024). Our Mission. Retrieved from https://briangrant.org/about/
CBS News (2013). Sunday Morning. Aland Alda. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/alan-alda/
Dave Parker Foundation (2025). Mission. Retrieved from https://www.daveparker39foundation.com/
Denver Autographs (2024). Ben Petrick. Retrieved from https://www.denverautographs.com/product/ben-petrick-autographed-signed-colorado-rockies-8×10-photo-12736/
DIFFERENT BRAINS (2025). Brian Grant. Retrieved from https://differentbrains.org/7-celebrities-with-parkinsons-disease/brian-grant/
ESPN (2024). Petrick cites mental drain. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1806520
Etienne, V. (2023). Billy Connolly, 80, Marks 10 Years With Parkinson’s Disease, Says He’s ‘Fed Up’ With Symptoms. Retrieved from https://people.com/billy-connolly-fed-up-with-parkinsons-disease-8357554
Farley, T. (2012). Astronaut Rich Clifford Is the Rocket Man with Parkinson’s. Brain & Life. Retrieved from https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/astronaut-rich-cliffords-journey-with-parkinsons-disease/
Friedlander, R. (2018). 7 Celebrities with Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from https://differentbrains.org/7-celebrities-with-parkinsons-disease/
Kirk Gibson Foundation (2024). In the News. Retrieved from https://www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/
Kosar19 (2024). Home. Retrieved from https://kosar19.com/
Laliberter, R ( 2016). Former NBA Player Brian Grant Combats Parkinson’s with Exercise. Retrieved from https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/after-a-12-year-career-with-the-nba-brian-grant/
Ladson, B. (2017). ‘Cobra’ not letting Parkinson’s hold him back. Retrieved from https://www.mlb.com/news/dave-parker-doesn-t-let-parkinson-s-stop-him-c221635114
Mastrangelo, A (2024). Legendary comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Richard Lewis died on Tuesday at the age of 76. Breitbart. Retrieved from https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2024/02/28/richard-lewis-legendary-comedian-curb-your-enthusiasm-star-dies-at-76/
Miller, K. (2016). Janet Reno Dies From Parkinson’s Complications At 78. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/janet-reno-dies-at-78-parkinsons
Pinterest (2025). Dave Parker- Bash Brothers. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/318207529901761658/
Fieldstadt, E. (2020). Ozzy Osbourne reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis. NBC News. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/celebrity/ozzy-osbourne-reveals-parkinson-s-diagnosis-n1119041
George, J. (2022). New Evidence Sheds Light on Muhammad Ali’s Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/parkinsonsdisease/101376
Greene, A. (2019). RollingStone- Flashback: Neil Diamond’s E.T. Ode ‘Heartlight’ Causes Legal Skirmish. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-diamond-heartlight-et-song-928258/
HELLO! (2012). Bob Hoskins bows out from his ‘wonderful’ acting career after Parkinson’s diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201208098922/bob-hoskins-parkinsons-diagnosis-retirement/
Huffington Post (2012). Actor Bob Hoskins Announces Retirement After Parkinson’s Diagnosis: What Is It? Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bob-hoskins-parkinsons-disease_n_1757090
Jordan, J. (2022). Alan Alda Gives an Update on How He’s Doing with Parkinson’s: ‘Tying Shoelaces Can Be a Challenge’ Retrieved from https://people.com/health/alan-alda-gives-an-update-on-how-hes-doing-amid-parkinsons-tying-shoelaces-can-be-a-challenge/
Piccotti, T. (2025). Muhammad Ali. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/athletes/muhammad-ali
Epstein, D. (2000). Earth, Wind and Fire Founder Stricken with Parkinson’s Disease. Rolling Stone. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earth-wind-and-fire-founder-stricken-with-parkinsons-disease-243722/
Runtagh, J. (2019). Linda Ronstadt on Living with Parkinson’s: ‘I’m Afraid of Suffering, But I’m Not Afraid of Dying’. People Magazine.
Savenok, I. (2020). Getty Images. CBS News.
Skiver, K (2017). CBS News- Muhammad Ali showed signs of Parkinson’s years before retirement, diagnosis. Retrieved from https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Muhammad+Ali+parkinsons&t=ffab&atb=v415-1&ia=webUshe, N. (2023). Neil Diamond says he was ‘in denial’ about Parkinson’s diagnosis for the first 2 years. USA Today. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/04/02/neil-diamond-parkinsons-disease-diagnosis/11587908002/
Thai, X and Olivieri, A. (2024). ESPN- Brett Favre reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis at congressional hearing. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41417497/favre-announces-parkinson-diagnosis-congressional-hearing
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (2025). Michael R. “Rich” Clifford. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/michael-r-rich-clifford
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (2024). Michael’s Story. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/michaels-story
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