Episode 38: Purple Bands of Hope: Dr. George Ackerman's Journey for Parkinson's Awareness

Serving Seniors Podcast

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Serving Seniors Podcast as host Matt Helton welcomes Dr. George Ackerman, PhD, JD, MBA, an advocate for Parkinson’s and dementia awareness, and hope for a cure. In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Ackerman shares his personal journey of honoring his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, through the creation of the TogetherForSharon® initiative.

Guest Information:

• Guest Name: Dr. George Ackerman, PhD, JD, MBA
• Guest Title: Advocate for Parkinson’s & Dementia awareness & hope for a cure
• Guest Company: TogetherForSharon
• Guest Company Link: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/

Episode Highlights: Dr. Ackerman's story is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of community. After the sudden passing of his mother, Sharon, who battled Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Ackerman and his family decided to create purple wristbands to honor her memory and raise awareness about Parkinson’s. These wristbands, inscribed with "In memory of Sharon Riff Ackerman," "Parkinson’s Disease Awareness," and "TogetherForSharon®," became a symbol of hope and solidarity.

Starting with just 50 wristbands for those who attended his mother’s funeral, the initiative quickly gained momentum. Friends and family began sharing pictures of themselves wearing the wristbands, spreading the message far and wide. The Ackerman family continues to self-fund the production of these wristbands, limiting distribution to 1,000 per year, to keep Sharon’s memory alive and raise awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.

Dr. Ackerman’s dedication extends to encouraging donations directly to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in memory of his mother. In this episode, he shares more about his journey, the impact of the TogetherForSharon® initiative, and his hope for a cure.

Connect with our Guest: Visit Dr. George Ackerman's website at https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ to learn more about the TogetherForSharon® initiative and how you can support the cause.

Podcast Information:

• Company Name: One Trust Home Loans
• Host: Matt Helton
• Podcast Name: Serving Seniors Podcast
• Podcast URL: https://www.servingseniorspodcast.com/
• Podcast Description: Welcome to the Serving Seniors Podcast, a beacon of guidance for those entering or navigating their golden years. Hosted by Matt Helton, this weekly show delves deep into the unique challenges and opportunities that retirement presents. Each week, Matt meets with seasoned professionals from various fields who bring their expertise to the table, helping to answer the myriad of questions that come with living as an independent senior. From financial planning and healthcare to leisure activities and estate planning, no topic is off the table. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive resource that addresses the holistic needs of seniors. Whether you're on the cusp of retirement, just beginning this new chapter, or have been relishing it for some time, the Serving Seniors Podcast ensures you're equipped with the knowledge to not just survive but truly thrive.
• Sponsor Name: One Trust Home Loans
• Sponsor URL: https://onetrusthomeloans.com/
• NMLS Numbers: Matt Helton, NMLS#178551; OneTrust Home Loans, NMLS # 46375
• Licensing Information: Loans provided by OneTrust Home Loans, a dba of CalCon Mutual Mortgage LLC NMLS #46375 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org); 3838 Camino del Rio N Suite 305, San Diego, CA 92108. Corporate phone [phone]. All products are not available in all states. All options are not available on all programs. All programs are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. By refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. (Reference: 10 VAC 5-160-60 (F))
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