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 21: Are Facebook groups pointless?
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!
Are Facebook Groups & Comments Truly Helping Parkinson’s Awareness?
I often wonder if Facebook groups are really effective for raising awareness. Most of the time, when I post, I either get auto-spam replies or my post never gets approved by the group admin.
But here’s the thing—I’m not selling anything. I don’t want anything in return. I do this purely out of love, in honor of my mother, and to let people know: you are not alone.
As a caregiver, I often felt completely alone. In 15 years, my mother never met another person with Parkinson’s. If she had, I believe it would’ve changed our lives. That’s why I speak up—for awareness, connection, and support. Because awareness can’t just live within this community—it has to reach outside of it, too.
Unfortunately, that’s where things get hard. Some within the Parkinson’s community don’t support others trying to raise awareness, and that’s incredibly discouraging. We should be lifting each other up, not blocking one another’s voices. Still, we advocate onward.
I’m beginning to question if Facebook groups are the best place for this message. Have you had more success with other platforms? Instagram? TikTok? LinkedIn?
What are your thoughts? How do we truly reach the world with a message of hope, unity, and urgency?
How can we raise awareness, break the silence, and work together to end Parkinson’s—once and for all?
Let’s talk. Let’s support. Let’s act.
—George
www.togetherforsharon.com
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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.