Oliver Groom 2021 update
14 November 2021
5 years ago, 2016, you generously donated to Oliver's Bucket list.This allowed him to attend his brother's wedding in Wanaka and to explore NZ on the way.Oliver wasn't able to travel on a plane because of his wheelchair, so he hired a disability campervan for 10 days and travelled from Kerikeri to Wanaka.It was an amazing trip, and as it turned out, it was the last trip he was physically able to cope with.
In August the following year Oliver experienced an internal bleed. Because he is too fragile to operate on, they could not do any exploratory procedures. He pulled through on his own but it left him bedridden soon after.
Oliver is now almost 30, he still lives independently in Kerikeri, with amazing full time caregivers, including his mum Claire.
Fortunately he can still use his computer mouse so he spends his time exploring the internet, playing games and making electronic music.https://soundcloud.com/state-of-f
Below is a link to an interview of Oliver when he was 22, talking about producing his album and his alter ego 'State of Flux'.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBHhOeUkGoY
Oliver, like all boys that have Duchennes muscular dystrophy, has had a challenging life.He now weighs around 40 kilos, is in constant pain and consequently has a high dependency on painkillers, and is on a permanent ventilator.However in no way does this define who he is.
Oliver has grown into an exceptional young man, incredibly smart, a little bit sardonic and is loved deeply by those who know him!
Thank you again for your support when he needed it, it made a huge difference.Much love Suzi (Olivers step mum)