June 14, 2024

The Growing Global Impact of Parkinson's Disease with Advocate + Former Caregiver Dr. George Ackerman

35 minutes

Ep. 151 Maryann Rivera-Dannert sits down with Dr. George Ackerman to delve deep into the five stages of Parkinson's disease and his journey as a caregiver for his mother. Dr. Ackerman shares his emotionally gripping experience and the profound impacts of Parkinson's disease. Listeners also gain insights into the symptoms, stages, and ongoing research efforts to find a cure. This episode serves as an inspiring call to action for Parkinson's awareness and caregiver support.

Dr. George Ackerman discusses his career trajectory, starting from his childhood in Brooklyn, through his roles as a lawyer and police officer, to becoming a full-time caregiver for his mother. He highlights the significant symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and advocacy. Dr. Ackerman details the psychological and emotional tolls of caregiving, his motivations for writing his book, and his continued efforts to fight for those affected by Parkinson's. The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to support Parkinson's research and legislative efforts.

Resources:

Together for Sharon Foundation

Michael J. Fox Foundation: Michael J. Fox Foundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020/

Book: A Son’s Journey

Connect with Maryann

Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryannriveradannert/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MRDEmpowermentSolutions

Linkedin: https://www.bit.ly/maryannriveradannert

Key Takeaways:

Progression Stages of Parkinson's: Dr. Ackerman outlines the five stages of Parkinson’s disease, explaining the symptoms and challenges at each stage, from initial movement issues to severe motor and cognitive impairments.

Caregiving Challenges: The episode deeply explores the emotional and physical burdens faced by caregivers, delving into Dr. Ackerman's personal stress and sacrifices.

Critical Need for Awareness and Advocacy: Dr. Ackerman stresses the importance of public awareness, accurate police training, and the necessity for ongoing research and legislative support for Parkinson's.

Notable Quotes:

"If someone can't be fearless, you need to be an advocate and be fearless for them."

"Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world, with over 10 million people affected globally."

"I don't want my mother to be forgotten because I feel that Parkinson stole 15 years while she was alive and 15 years after."

About the Guest: Dr. George Ackerman is an attorney based in Florida with a deep history in advocacy and public service. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, George has worked extensively in criminal and civil law, alongside serving as a police officer. He holds a PhD with a dissertation focused on aiding African American mothers who have lost children to murder in West Palm Beach, Florida. Driven by personal experience, George became a devoted caregiver to his mother, Sharon, who battled Parkinson’s disease for 15 years before passing away in 2020.

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. He started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:38 From Lawyer to Police Officer: Dr. George Ackerman's Advocacy Journey

3:09 A Son's Fight Against Parkinson's in Memory of His Mother

9:57 Advocating for Parkinson's Awareness and Support

16:50 Caring for a Loved One with Parkinson's Disease

22:30 His Mother's Legacy

26:23 Advocating for Parkinson's Awareness in Police Training

28:48 Conclusion

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By Maryann Rivera-Dannert

22 ratings