The Parkinson’s Policy Forum 2026, Washington, DC MJFF

The Parkinson’s Policy Forum 2026

Thank you—truly, thank you—to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, APDA, Parkinson’s Foundation, PMD Alliance, every advocate who attended, and every individual in this powerful community across the country.

From March 15 through March 18, 2026, we came together at our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. with one united mission: to raise our voices and drive awareness for increased NIH funding toward a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, to push for the ban of toxic chemicals like Paraquat, to defend our veterans exposed to hazardous conditions, and to advance the National Plan to End Parkinson’s.

For the second year, I had the honor of attending on behalf of TogetherForSharon®, in loving memory of my mother, Sharon. I was there to advocate, to share her story, and to fight for hope—a future without Parkinson’s Disease.

Walking into this space, I felt it all—nerves, gratitude, and overwhelming inspiration. I had butterflies in my stomach being surrounded by legends, heroes, and so many courageous individuals, along with new voices stepping into this fight for the very first time.

Florida showed up strong. We made our voices heard in meetings with several representatives, including Rep. Byron Donalds, Senator Rick Scott, Representative Anna Paulina Luna, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, Senator Ashley Moody, and Representative Gus Bilirakis. In each office, we shared not only policy priorities, but personal stories—my mother’s journey, her fight, and why I continue this mission in her memory.

This year was not easy for me. I made it through day one, but it came with challenges. My wife, Grether, unfortunately couldn’t make it after her flight was canceled. I truly hope that one day she can experience this week, because it is life-changing in every sense.

The days were long—starting at 7:00 a.m. and running straight through to 7:30 p.m. without pause. By Tuesday, I was battling dizziness, exhaustion, and debilitating migraines. But in those moments, I thought of my mom. I thought of her strength, her resilience, and every individual still fighting Parkinson’s today. That’s what kept me going. That’s what always will.

And yes—the weather was freezing, reminding me of my time in Vail, Colorado. There were obstacles, even moments of frustration, like when people tried to cut our group in line as we waited to meet with representatives. But none of that stopped us. Because we were there for something bigger than ourselves.

We showed up as one community—with one purpose: to be heard.

And I truly believe we were.

But now, as we return home, the real work begins.

The moment I stepped back into Florida, I knew this fight doesn’t pause—it accelerates. Whether you attended the forum or not, every single voice matters. I urge everyone across the country: reach out to your senators, your state officials, your local leaders. Write, call, show up.

I’ve sent hundreds of letters on my own, and often it feels like nothing changes. But when we come together—when we unite—things move. Change happens.

This is only the beginning for me. I am just getting started.

Let’s continue to advocate together, nationwide, and push for the urgent change this community deserves.

Let’s go.

Sharon’s Son,
George