1/1/2020……. I lost my mother, Sharon, due to Parkinson’s disease. I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas on tough topics in caregiving and send thoughts and prayers for others diagnosed and caregivers, so this BLOG was created in their memories.
The Tackling Tough Topics BLOG 14: The Emotional Toll of Diagnosis
4/1/2025
This blog is dedicated to all those caretakers who care for a loved one with any disease and to those who have been diagnosed. We hear you; we see you, and we will never stop fighting until there is a cure!
Sharon’s son, George:
The emotional toll as a caregiver was devastating when I learned of my mother’s Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. Even today, as an advocate for a PD cure, I find myself still having a difficult time reliving memories of my mother’s struggle. The final four years as her caregiver were the toughest for me as well. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress, depression, and hopelessness crept through my life, but I attempted to hide them from my mother, who I felt I needed only to show care and support during her struggles. I often say I would not be the man I am today without my mother’s sacrifices. She was a schoolteacher with a Master’s degree and gave up her career to raise my brother and me. I wouldn’t have accomplished most of my academic success and professional acknowledgments without having my mother cheer by my side, from the good times to the tougher ones. She was always right by my side, encouraging me 24/7. She was and always will be an inspiration, and at times, she sacrificed her health but did not share her PD diagnosis with me until several years later because she didn’t want to burden the family. Many days, I wish she had, and it makes me wonder if, at that time, I was not aware that something more could have been done to slow the progression, but it is too late to determine that now.
Seeing my best friend and mother go from a happy, loving, and caring person who devoted her life to her family after the PD diagnosis, almost losing so many abilities to function independently, is still devastating.
However, after she passed on 1/1/2020, my journey continued. I am still at a loss and in shock with feelings like what happened, why, and what, if anything, could I have done differently?
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George’s Biography
Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. He now resides in Florida and works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.
George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause, but he did not know how to bring about change. With my family, we started TogetherForSharon® to keep my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, ‘s memory alive and share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.
Today, https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community, including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors, to help share their stories and causes.