Last chance to sea

$2,486 donated
Given by 38 generous donors in 10 days

I have dmd so i'm planning a world cruise to celebrate outliving my original life expectancy 2-fold by turning 33.

Kerikeri, Northland

At age 5 I was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) an incurable muscle wasting condition. My original life expectancy was about 16. All my muscles are getting progressively weaker so I use a wheelchair to get around and I also need to use a Bi-pap to help me breathe.

Next February by turning 33 I will essentially double my original life expectancy thanks to my great medical care. I'm planning to go on a world cruise to celebrate my birthday, visit family and show others with DMD that travel is possible. This is a 115-day cruise that will visit many places I would never get to see otherwise like Iceland and easter island. A cruise is one of the only ways for me to travel because I can't sit in an ordinary plane seat and my wheelchair can't be used onboard the plane.

I have been on a waitlist for an accessible cabin and finally have one after a cancellation. Since I have been waiting for two years some costs have increased so I made this page because I would like to avoid cancelling if possible. The funds will go towards the purchase of a hospital-type bed, Wi-Fi onboard and trip insurance.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me because this is a return trip from Auckland that is only available in 2025. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will help make my dream happen.

More info about dmd: https://www.parentprojectmd.org/about-duchenne/what-is-duchenne/

Use of funds

The funds will go towards the purchase of a hospital-type bed, Wi-Fi onboard and trip insurance.

The insurance is for medical events and The Wi-Fi will be used to update a travel blog to show others in similar situations what is possible.

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Latest donations

Imogen
Imogen 3 hours ago
Very adventurous of you Oliver! Riverview School doesn't feel like that long ago :-)
$50
John Blumenthal
John Blumenthal 7 hours ago
Enjoy the trip Oliver and share your valuable message to all.
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 16 hours ago
$40
Guest Donor
Guest Donor 16 hours ago
$15
Mark
Mark 18 hours ago
Enjoy
Private

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Oliver Groom's avatar
Created by, and paying to a verified bank account of, Oliver Groom
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This campaign started on 27 Oct 2024 and ends on 27 Feb 2025.