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 16: Underserved populations and the need for more support and awareness
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!
Sharon’s son, George:
The world calls for diversity, culture, and respect for all of us. We also need more awareness for some cultures and segments of the population who do not have enough attention or support for those battling Parkinson’s Disease, such as the Latin population, Black population, Gay population, minorities, and so many other underserved populations. I do not see enough attention or advocacy for some specific populations, but together, we can bring change and support.
You can bring the necessary change to shed light on this critical topic.
Some have no access in their communities to medical professionals who specialize in movement disorders. Others must travel throughout the world to get their medical provider.
The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Disease is a historic bill passed in 2024 to help raise awareness and research towards a cure. One specific goal is to also bring more attention to those who are sadly and often forgotten but need attention and assistance. You can contact your legislators to support change and get more help from those specific and diverse populations. As of today, I have not personally seen it. I have not heard about the bill implementation outcomes, but I hope it brings positive help and change.
I have tried to bring awareness to those throughout the world who need more attention through blogs, books, and reaching out and partnerships together towards a PD cure and support until it is at all our doorsteps globally,
I am often surprised by the reality that so many are usually forgotten and how badly we need to voice awareness together. Still, in some instances, reaching specific populations who may feel it is tough alone.
No one based on cultural background or lack of resources should ever be forgotten.
Before being my caregiver for my mother, who battled PD and we lost in 2020, was my career: law enforcement and the legal field. As an attorney, police officer (Rsv), and PhD in the field of criminal justice, I dedicated my life to those family members who lost a loved one due to crime such as murder. Most of my research focused on the African American population throughout the United States and their loss and reintegration back into society; the results were shocking due to the lack of support and resources for this specific population. Often, in the criminal justice system, a family loses a loved one, but the family becomes a secondary victim and is usually forgotten by the process and system. By shedding light on this topic well, needed change and awareness can only come. I do feel this correlates to the Parkinson’s community as so many underserved populations are forgotten, and we need change now.
I will continue to be a voice for everyone in this fight for a PD cure, and I hope you will join me because together, our reach and voices are much more substantial.
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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.