In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Dr. George Ackerman, founder of Together for Sharon, to explore how the journey of caring for his mother, Sharon, through Parkinson’s and dementia became the foundation for a global advocacy movement.

George shares what it was like to be both a son and a caregiver, how storytelling helped him process grief, and why he believes lived experience is one of the most powerful tools for changing awareness and reducing stigma around Parkinson’s and dementia.

We also talk about how Together for Sharon has grown into an international community that connects patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates, and what gives George hope for the future of Parkinson’s care.

This episode is for anyone who has loved someone with Parkinson’s, anyone living with Parkinson’s themselves, or anyone who wants to understand what that journey really looks like behind the diagnosis.

SHOW NOTES

Special Guest: George Ackerman, PhD, JD, MBA, Police Ofc. Rsv.Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

TOGETHER FOR SHARON LINKS

Website: https://togetherforsharon.com/All Socials: https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharonTogetherForSharon® Shop: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/Email: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ackerman-ph-d-esq-mba-00871a82/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherforsharon1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/togetherforsha1Instagram & Threads: https://www.instagram.com/togetherforsharon/The Parkinson’s Connection YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParkinsonsConnection/playlistsThe TogetherForSharon® Podcast: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/podcast-interviews/Q&A with Sharon’s Son: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/qa-with-sharons-son-george/Interview Index: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/interview-index/Blog (Tackling Tough Topics): https://www.togetherforsharon.com/tackling-tough-topics/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeBLOelhaLQNvgeNMzu-5g

THEME SONG

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. Inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment to raise global awareness. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios: https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

LSVT GLOBAL RESOURCES

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.comFind LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians