On 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 18: Veterans deserve immediate support, care and urgent assistance!
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:
Veterans and Parkinson’s Disease is a topic that hits home to me. As a police officer (Rsv.) I worked with many military heroes throughout my experience with the United States Coast Guard Aux. I have worked with numerous families who sacrificed much to serve our country.
Veterans serving today and their families deserve only the best, from medical care to being set as a priority in every way possible.
Shocking, though, to many seems to be the lack of support and awareness for so many who served that today suffer from Parkinson’s Disease and other debilitating diseases after service.
One may ask how it could be possible that someone dedicated a large portion of their life to service, but today, the suffering is directly correlated to such service. Mental health, disease, and support need to be at the forefront for our veterans and their families.
Too many cases are coming out to the national discussion, such as significant lawsuits like Camp Lejeune, which brought national attention to water contamination causing PD.
According to H.R.2192 – Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 117th Congress (2021-2022)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2192
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 allows people to file lawsuits against the Department of the Navy for exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina:
From 1953 to 1987, the base’s public water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals. Thousands of Marines and their families suffered severe illnesses and died.
Over 546,500 claims have been filed, making the Camp Lejeune lawsuits one of the most significant injury cases.
The Navy has resolved around 150 cases, but the process is expected to take several years. The first trials are expected to begin next year.
Some challenges to the lawsuits include the United States contesting whether plaintiffs were exposed to contaminated water and contesting the number of damages plaintiffs may be entitled to.
For more information:
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims https://www.navy.mil/clja/
Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues
However, we still need more awareness, immediate governmental intervention, and for all of us to get involved and use our voices to bring needed change to support our Veterans and their families.
Signing up and taking an oath to our country should never bring back reciprocal adverse outcomes. After retirement or in the event of disability, support should be provided
In speaking to a veteran, I was surprised and saddened to learn of the lack of support. One veteran I spoke with stated there are only three bases with Parkinson’s movement specialists and medical professionals throughout the United States. This does not provide enough care and immediate attention to the needs of—veterans who desperately need advice, care, and support battling PD.
Please get in touch with your representatives and call for change to support our Veterans and their families.
To contact your federal representatives
United States Senate
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
United States House of Representatives
Or Veterans Affairs
https://www.va.gov/contact-us/
Together, our voices are so much stronger, and we can bring positive change and shed light on this urgent and critical area that needs more attention now.
Please act now as this is urgent, and together, we can be a voice for those Veterans struggling and battling PD today, likely due to environmental issues that need more attention now!
References
United States Veterans Affairs (2024). Contact. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/contact-us/
United States Senate (2024). Contact. Retrieved from https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
United States House of Representatives (2024). Contact. Retrieved from https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative#:~:text=If%20you%20know%20who%20your,the%20U.S.%20House%20switchboard%20operator.
United States Navy (2024). Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/clja/
United States Veterans Affairs (2024). Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
United States Congress (2022). H.R.2192 – Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021 117th Congress (2021-2022). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2192
——————————————–
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.