Sharon’s Story
As a caregiver I learned that you are not alone.
February 10, 2025
Dr. George Ackerman’s mother, Sharon, had Parkinson’s disease for 15 years, but it never started to affect her life significantly until around 2014. Ackerman says she was still able to function and spend her favorite day of the week — Sunday — with the family in the backyard, blowing bubbles with her grandkids. As a first-time caregiver, Ackerman says he didn’t know what to expect, how to act, or what the best next step was to care for his mother on his caregiving journey.
Moments, memories & family
Specific moments, even during more challenging days as my mother’s caregiver, will be memories that PD can never take away. I was raised in New York, and my mother, Sharon, took me to see shows on Broadway when I was growing up. And seeing those shows, singing together on long car rides, and her always supporting me, were fond memories of my childhood that continue to live on beyond PD and our loss. She was a devoted mother, teacher, and community leader, known for her kindness and resilience, and inspired everyone who knew her.
The final few years of my mother’s struggle with PD were the most difficult. I recall moments when my wife, Grether, brought in hair stylists, and got my mother manicures and pedicures to help her feel more like herself during tough times despite her symptoms. I also remember no matter how bad a day it was for my mother, she always wanted family around; it made her smile and feel safe during even the most difficult times. Surround your loved one with family: That is the most significant piece of advice I could give any caregiver or someone diagnosed with any disease.
How can you get involved?
As a caregiver I learned that you are not alone. Find local and national resources through Internet searches, because there are many people out there to support you. Also always take care of your own health first. You can only help your loved one if you look after yourself. Healthy eating, and exercise — which you can do together — is an incredible experience that you will never forget.
Grateful
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my mother’s story. I am just the son of an incredible woman who deserved better, and if we had a cure, she would still be with us right now. I have grown and learned a lot about the role of caregiver and advocate for those battling PD — and I still advocate for those caregivers in her memory.
