Adjunct instructor Dr. George Ackerman with Dakota College at Bottineau recently co-authored a book with his daughter, Brooke Ackerman. Passionate about telling the story of his mother’s life experience with Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Ackerman published “I Love You, Grandma Sharon!” Brooke & Grandma’s Days with Parkinson’s Disease.

This children’s book tells the story of a grandmother and her granddaughter, highlighting their journeys and adventures as Grandma progresses with Parkinson’s disease. Through Brooke’s eyes, young readers see resilience, love, and the importance of keeping memories alive. “It is often difficult to explain what children see, feel, and may think when a loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Dr. George Ackerman explains. He created the book as a resource for caregivers, families, and individuals living with PD, offering children a gentle guide through unfamiliar experiences, emotions, and questions. It also provides insight into the experience of a grandmother navigating the disease.

Residing in Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Ackerman has taught online business courses for Dakota College at Bottineau since 2016. He teaches college courses in criminal justice, business, and law, and is also an accomplished researcher and writer. “My greatest passion lies in advocating for a cure for Parkinson’s disease,” he shares. He actively participates in charity events, speaks to community groups, and interviews individuals living with Parkinson's. To help raise awareness, he has donated a copy of the children’s book to the Dakota College at Bottineau library.