On 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 19: Lack of media support
8/1/2025
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:
One primary goal is awareness of a cure for Parkinson’s disease. I believe we will be closer to a cure through advocacy and awareness; however, it is not always easy. Most days, I sit and try to brainstorm ways to achieve a reach through the media.
I have written 15 letters to media outlets such as television, including national stations and local. It is nearly impossible to gain a response and coverage in this critical area of bringing attention to PD. Is it because viewers are unaware, or is it insufficient for their ratings? I am not sure, but when I see the stories the media shares and the lack of information about Parkinson’s, it is shocking.
As one of the fattest growing neurological disorders throughout the world, you may think the coverage would be much more effective and efficient, but that is not the case, especially for local advocates. I have attended many local walks and events to raise awareness, but the media does not exist.
We need a cure, but the key is teaching the world, and the media, celebrities, and all of us joining together can make a difference, but we are far from the needed media support. Unless a specific reporter is affected by PD through their family, the repents are crickets, which is heartbreaking. The amount of time media spends on stories that include violence and stories that do not apply to the regular everyday person or families and those affected by PD is shocking to me.
We must reach all media outlets to gain attention for this critical movement and cause to find a cure and end PD.
NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and every avenue and venue need to come to the table and help save lives. Their devotion to politics and crime stories is unmatchable; imagine if they spent a few moments ensuring coverage on PD awareness, research, and so many communities touched PD would be a game changer but as of today, in my experience, the lack of care and response is draining, frustrating and shocking,
However, no matter what, we all must join hands, continue to call and write your local media from newspapers, television, and social media, and ensure we keep fighting, talking about, and pushing anyone we meet if the importance and urgency for a PD cure, awareness though local, city and national attention would change the path and speed a cure may be at all of our doorsteps.
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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://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.