The Tackling Tough Topics BLOG 24: Faith, Religion and PD
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!
Faith, Religion and PD
I grew up in a home where faith was central to our lives. We celebrated Jewish holidays together, and my grandmother was a steady source of wisdom, teaching us enduring values like kindness, compassion, and respect for others. My mother worked hard to carry those values forward, keeping faith in the heart of our family. After my grandmother passed away, however, something shifted. It was never quite the same.
I believe deeply in the power of faith to change lives, and I have witnessed that power firsthand in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. On an episode of my show, Q and A with Sharon’s Son, a guest named George shared that faith was the reason he is still here today. A PD diagnosis brings immense challenges, and no two journeys are the same. Walking beside my mother—holding her hand through every stage of her illness—is an experience that still defies words.
Faith can offer hope, provide strength through community, and serve as a guiding force during the most difficult moments. Even in loss, it has a way of connecting us.
Although my mother is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the people I meet every day. That presence continues to drive me. It fuels my commitment to advocate for a cure in her memory—and for everyone currently living with Parkinson’s disease.
Research supports this connection, suggesting that faith and spirituality play an important role in how many people cope with PD. For some, faith provides meaning, purpose, and hope despite the disease’s challenges. While certain studies note a decline in formal religious practice among individuals with PD, many continue to draw comfort and strength from their spiritual beliefs (Redfern, 2025).
Hold on to something meaningful. Cherish each moment, and keep moving forward. Keep exercising. Keep living. I’ll be by your side through every step of the journey—and I won’t stop until a cure is within reach for everyone, everywhere.
Reference
Redfern C, Coles A. (2015) Parkinson’s Disease, Religion, and Spirituality. Mov Disord Clin Pract.
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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.