Island Treasures
Island Treasures began as a platform for caregivers with its guests sharing their stories to encourage, provide insights, and resources to support those in the midst of caregiving. With over 100 heartfelt episodes, it reminded caregivers they were not alone, as it uplifted voices of wisdom, empowerment, and compassion. In October 2025 Island Treasures enters a new chapter.
This relaunched season explores life after caregiving—the transitions, transformations, and moments that follow with former caregivers sharing how they have transitioned into their next chapter.
In addition to these heartfelt episodes addressing life after caregiving, from time to time we will celebrate the treasures of Vancouver Island with an episode highlighting a place or experience unique to Vancouver Island—after all that’s where the podcast calls home.
Whether you’re just beginning to rediscover life beyond caregiving or caregiving is part of your distant past, Island Treasures offers stories that we trust will resonate with you and inspire you as you move forward after caregiving. Or if you’re curious about Vancouver Island and want to hear more about the people and places that make it special, we’re delighted to have you join us for those episodes as well.
Please note: the original episodes remain available and provide a rich archive of support for caregivers. This new season simply expands the journey.
Island Treasures
Sharon's Son's Journey: Caregiver to Advocate
Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he 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 and his family started TogetherForSharon® to honour his mother by keeping her memory alive; and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure for Parkinson's Disease.
Today TogetherForSharon® reaches thousands of individuals across the country for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes, uniting voices in the fight against Parkinson's Disease.
George was his mother’s caregiver. She lived with Parkinson’s Disease and late-onset dementia. He takes his experiences now from caretaking to advocacy. Advocacy for caregivers, folks living with Parkinson’s Disease and those striving to find a cure.
This episode is airing just in time for National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and at the time of our taping, George was getting ready to meet his hero, Michael J. Fox. George and TogetherForSharon are huge supporters of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Social Media and Contact Information for George:
Email
LinkedIn
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram & Threads
YouTube
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