UNM-Taos adjunct instructor Dr. George Ackerman has released a heartfelt new children’s book titled I Love You, Grandma Sharon! Inspired by his mother’s journey with Parkinson’s disease, the book follows the loving bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter, Brooke, as they navigate the challenges and emotions that come with the illness.
Written for children ages 3 and up, the story helps young readers understand what a loved one’s Parkinson’s diagnosis can look like—what they may see, feel, and wonder—through a compassionate, easy-to-grasp narrative. The book aims to support families, caregivers, and individuals with Parkinson’s by offering a gentle, storybook-style avenue for important conversations.
As a son, father, and advocate, Dr. Ackerman still has trouble explaining what happened to his children’s grandmother due to Parkinson’s disease. Still, he hopes this book may paint a helpful picture to understand the journey.
Dr. Ackerman, who continues advocacy work in honor of his mother, donates 100% of the book’s proceeds to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in support of Parkinson’s research.
“We sadly lost my mother to Parkinson’s in 2020, but I continue to fight for those still battling the disease,” he shared. “I’ll be in Washington, D.C., again this March advocating on their behalf. I also had the honor of meeting Michael J. Fox a few months ago; as he continues his own battle with Parkinson’s, he remains a true hero of mine in advocacy.”
Learn more about the book here: