Well, it's been a bit over 6 months since David received his new lungs and thing are going great. He's out and about, making appearances at conventions, shows and just showing his appreciation for everyone's help, financially as well as well wishes and prayers.

David is the cover subject of the January 2014 issue of Magic Magazine. Here is the cover shot of David using his new lungs to blow up his purple power balloons. It's a fantastic article and you can get a copy of the magazine directly from Magic Magazine.

Please visit David's Facebook page for up to the moment news about his remarkable recovery.

 THE CAPTAIN OF TEAM PURPLE SCORES!!!!! 

SAFE AT HOME !!! 

FANTASTIC NEWS !!!! 

WELCOME HOME !!!!

David still has a long way to go but this is a major step in his complete recovery. Here's how you contact him with your well wishes or you can send cards and letters to his home at:

www.facebook.com/domagic

 

David Oliver

141 Audubon Road

Weymouth, MA 02188

Remember he still needs our financial help. 

 

Status Update on August 20
By David Oliver...
Freedom!

Last of the chest tubes has finally been removed. 

No tubes. 

No machines. 

No O2. 

All D.O.

Here's a long overdue update on David's progress. This is great news!

Hello Devoted David Followers,

Just  a quick update,  but I am happy to let you know that David was transferred to a rehab facility. This a major milestone on his recovery journey!  It took a little longer than planned because David experienced some minor setbacks, but he and the doctors worked through them and they thought he was ready  leave the hospital and start the next phase of his recovery.

At this facility David will be able to continue to focus diligently on his regaining his strength and learning about/ adjusting to  some of the life changes as a transplant recipient. Recovery after such a long illness and major surgeries  takes time.  Although David is finding it frustrating at times and has his good and bad days, he is still pushing forward. He requests at that this time that visitation remain limited so that he may remain focused on getting stronger so that he may head home.  Thank you for your understanding.

When will David be home?  Still not quite sure, the Doctors at the Rehab facility still need to evaluate his specific case and determine what is the best course of action to speed along his recovery. It is a long term care facility so I am assuming (and this is just me) that it will be at least a couple of weeks.

As always, thank you form the bottom of our hearts (David, mine, and rest of family’s)  for all the love and support you have shown him thus far!!!!

If you would like to send a card or correspondence, the new address is as follows:
David Oliver – Hussey
Spaulding Rehab Hospital
3rd Floor South – Rm 305
1575 Cambridge St
Cambridge MA 02183

Take care!
Lisa

____________________________

Some more exciting news to report:
Brian Foshee of Happy Amp fame is also helping David out by donating proceeds from a Marty Hahne tshirt he designed. I am late in writing this as some size tshirts are out of stock, but maybe if more people want to buy these, he could reorder them.



Brian writes: I just couldn't resist making this shirt!!! So I contacted Marty Hahne and he said OK! We agreed all proceeds will go to David Oliver (fellow magi and teacher of mine from Tannen's Magic Camp) for his lung transplant.

If you have not yet seen the national news coverage Marty Hahne and his rabbit has made with his USDA rabbit disaster relief plan check out some of the articles here-

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-07-16/politics/40610671_1_rabbit-magician-u-s-department

http://www.infowars.com/marty-the-magician-speaks-out/

http://www.times-herald.com/opinion/20130721-Alex-Column

Pick your size at check out-
http://happieamp.com/save-the-rabbit-t-shirt-proceeds-for-david-oliver.html

______________

Last but not forgotten: If you want to be part of "Team Purple" and support David and help him out with mounting medical bills, you can make a donation (at top right of this page). For a minimum donation of $5.00 we would be happy to send you a purple wristband you may proudly wear to show your support for David. (See past posts to view photos of others that wear this wristband.) Please send me more photos of you wearing them to include in future posts. here are the latest group of photos:

SAM Assembly 17, Springfield, Massachusetts

Santa himself. (Tom Gentile, Dean of Assembly 17)

Marlene Clark & Dan Sclare (SAM Secretary & Life Membership Chairman, respectively)

____________________

Thanks again, everyone, for taking the time and interest in reading this blog. Please pass the link to this blog on to friends, fellow performers and everyone else you can think of. Even tho David is on the path to recovery, and we all can't wait until he is on stage again, his financial problems are still here. PLEASE DONATE what you can. If you have already donated, please donate again. Every $5 helps and if you can, please donate more.

Go Team Purple !

Steve Wronker

Please do not stop your generous donations for David.Now more than ever, David's hospital bills are pilling up. Use the Paypal link donate and receive one of the DO Magic For David Oliver purple wristband.

Here's exciting news about our friend, David's recovery. And I want to thank Shawn Farquar and the International Brotherhood of Magicians for the video.

This update first from Lisa,

Hello,

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting some more news..….it has been a while since the last update because there were no major changes to report.

David and the Doctors have been taking things day by day; each day coming up with a plan of care and making progress.  His recovery has been focused on building up the breathing strength and function of the new lungs and also trying to build up/ recover David’s overall physical strength.

The patience and fortitude has paid off……. As of now, there are no signs of infection or rejection and Doctors feel that the lungs are looking good!   And yesterday, David was able to beat his personal best for assisted walking steps!  These are all good signs that he is making forward progress on the recovery path.

The most significant sign came last night when they moved David from the post transplant room to a general ICU room.  It is not the transplant step down unit yet, but it is still a milestone to be recognized and celebrated!!!   Visitation is still restricted, and although we know many of you are eager to get in and see him, please respect David’s and the Doctors’ requests and refrain from visiting until the appropriate time.  

David sends his love and THANKS for all of the messages and support you have provided thus far! He has been able to check messages and e-mails. He wanted me to express his sincerest apologizes that he has not been able to get back to everyone! (Last count was 800 e-mail in his inbox)  Recovering is exhausted work, but does try to get online and respond when he is able. 

If you would like to send a card or letter, please send it to the address below:

Massachusetts General Hospital
Attention: David Hussey
Blake
Fl. 8   Rm. 78
Boston, MA 02114-2622

Thank you as always to you, the incredible cheerleaders!!!!!

Take care,

Lisa 

 

and here's the IBM video:

 

David, all our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.

Steve Wronker

PS... I am still looking for photos of everyone wearing your DO Magic For David Oliver purple wristband. Send your photo to me at swronker@gmail.com

Here's the latest update on David Oliver. Yay!!!

"David is doing well. Doctors are very pleased with his progress so far! David is still on oxygen as his body adjusts and the lungs get stronger, but the flow rate is 1-5 liters….. instead of the 40-50 liters that was required pre-transplant. Pretty amazing!

There is still a long road ahead to full recovery. To use an analogy that a nurse used the other day, a lung transplant is not like buying a whole new car; it is more like getting a broken part replaced, for example a busted tire. After the new part has been installed the car doesn’t automatically run perfect. It can take time and care for the rest of the car to adjust to the new part, like needing an alignment.
Doctors are working to adjust David’s medications to reach his personal perfect balance. Physical therapists are working with David daily to strengthen his lungs and his body. The time waiting for lungs and the actual surgery has left David pretty weak and he easily tires, but every day he challenges himself and is making great progress! The hope is that David will continue to do well and may be transferred out of the ICU in a few days. In the meantime, if you wanted to send a card, please send them to the address listed below:

David has started to check his messages again and says he continues to find your well wishes a great source of strength and inspiration, especially on the tougher days and thanks everyone for traveling with him on this incredible journey. Thank you all for your various forms of support!

Take care,
Lisa


David Oliver
C/O David Hussey
141 Audubon Road, Apt 201,
Weymouth MA, 02188

At the National Convention last week, this was The Society of American Magician's get well message to fellow magician David Oliver. David has successfully undergone a double lung transplant.

Well, the good news we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. David was admitted into the hospital over a month ago waiting for this day. Yesterday he was taken in for his double lung transplant. After a very lengthy successful surgery, David was admitted to the ICU. As of this morning David and his new lungs were doing fine. This is just the first step, now begins the long recovery.

David still needs your help as his bills still keep on coming. We have ordered and received more purple wristbands, as the first order of 1000 has sold out. You generous donations are still very much appreciated. You may donate though our Paypal link here or if you are going to the Society of American Magicians National Convention next week, there will be, at the registration desk, a box filled with wristbands and a jar for your donations. Please fill this jar. Dan Sclare, who has been collecting your money, making sure David receives every dollar and working his butt off selling these wristband at last year's convention in Las Vegas and other local magic get-togethers and conventions, has put together a little scrap book of David's accomplishments and accolades from his time spent with us as part of Assembly 21 in Hartford, Connecticut. Please take a few minutes to go through this and leave your comments.

Dan has also posted this on Facebook this morning and it is a great idea as well... "In honor of our friend's transplant surgery please consider donating blood or platelets. It is a small thing to do that helps in a big way! Go Team Purple!!!"

Finally, if you would like to send David a card with get well wishes, please address it to his home. He will regularly receive his mail as a friend will drop it off at the hospital. Send good wishes to:
David Oliver
141 Audubon Road #201
Weymouth, MA 02188

Please keep David in your thoughts and prayers.

Steve Wronker

Please send photos of your wearing the purple DO Magic wristbands to me at swronker@gmail.com
I have a big project planned for those photos but I need yours. Thanks.

PS... I just want to alert everyone about another magic show fundraiser for David. It is happening tomorrow. Here are the details:

DAVID OLIVER BREATH EASY FUNDRAISER
JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF MAGIC, VARIETY, AND FUN!
Six Incredible Acts… One Amazing Show … All for One GREAT guy!

100% of the proceeds will go directly to our friend and compeer, David Oliver!

Date: Sunday June 30, 2013
Time: 1:00pm
Place: Belmore Movie Theater 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY

For tickets, more information on how to place an ad in the program or make a donation, please contact Tricky Business at (516) 520-4004.

I know it's been a while since my last update, so I'll try and get you caught up. In a nutshell, David has been as well as can be expected. He is preparing for his surgery and has the emotional support of his friends as he goes through the grind of daily life. I am sure he is having good days as well as some hard days. With all this said, David is not out of the woods yet.

His financial burden still grows, which is why I am asking you to keep your donations coming in. For your donation, we will send you one of the "now collectible" purple DO wristbands that are adorning the arms of many magicians throughout the world.

And now some great news about another wonderful fundraiser. Angelo Chirico of Angelo's on Main, is hosting a night of magic and comedy on April 20th at his restaurant in West Hartford, CT. Hors D'oeuvre reception starts at 6:30 PM and show time starts at 8:00 PM. Performers will include Steve Kradolfer from Boston, our own David Garrity of Six Flags New England fame, Bill Hoagland, Joel Acevedo and special guest magician Erik Rochelle. All proceed will go directly to David Oliver.  For reservations, call 860-313-0460. Tickets are $25 per person.

 

Again, I want to thank everyone for their continued support for David.

 

Steve Wronker



"Let's DO Magic" benefit shows were a huge success.

The fundraising efforts for David has been overwhelming but he still has lots of medical bills. So we need to keep asking for your continued support. We have lots of wristbands still available as our gift for your donation. Please use the donate button on the right and help out.

I have a photo album of some of my photographs from the "Lets DO Magic" benefit shows for David Oliver on my profile page. Take a look.

Let's DO Magic Photo Gallery

You will be reading a lot about these 2 benefit shows in the near future. But just let me say how much I enjoyed the entertainment. This was a first class event. David Oliver was there for the two shows and became very emotional from the love and support from all 1200 ticket holders, friends, family, and everyone else involved in putting on this incredible day. Bill Hoagland and Lyn Dillies both get an extra shout out for undertaking this huge task. They did a hellava job. Congratulations.

 

Here's a photo of the 8 performers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember... keep your donations coming in...

Sincerley and thank you,

Steve Wronker





IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ABOUT THIS FUNDRAISER:

There is still time to donate and receive your own collectible purple wristband.When you get it please send a photo of you wearing your wristband to me at swronker@gmail.com  so I may show it here in this blog.



Don't forget the big benefit show is this Saturday, January 19th in Worcester, Massachusetts. More info about the show can be found at: www.letsdomagic.org/ and don't forget to bid on the incredible auctions.
If you can't be at the show, please buy a ticket or two and the tickets will be donated to a kids organization so they can be at this show.

BUT PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY. Every $5 donation surely does help David with his medical bills but if you have it in your heart, please be more generous in helping out a man that has given so much to magic.

Thank you.

Steve Wronker

PS... If you have already donated, drop in another $5 and skip the extra value meal, as someone wise told me.

   I just want to keep you all updated on the progress of this benefit fundraiser. So far your donations have been very generous. And we don't want the donations to stop. With eleven days until the new year, please think of David and send a few more dollars. Let's make 2013 the year of recovery.
   There is also another fundraiser going on for David. Terri Cook, the director of Tannen's Magic Camp, Frank Monaco, and Paul Denaro have set up a page for donations as well. You can contribute to the "DO Breathe Easy" Fundraiser at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/DO-Breathe-Easy/35262 .
   Please don't forget the benefit show being performed by some of the best magicians, taking place in Worcester, Massachusetts on January 19th. For more information on the show, buying tickets for yourself and family or having your purchased tickets donated to an area family so they can see the show, or even placing an ad or well wishes in the program, please go to: http://letsdomagic.org/

Donations are still coming in. Thank you.
I had asked for you to send me a photo of you wearing the D.O. wristband and I have received a few. I would like hundreds more. You can send your photo to me at swronker@gmail.com

Here are a lot of the photos so far:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sending these in.

Don't forget the David Oliver Benefit Fundraiser show in January. And take a look at the auction ideas up for bid. They are incredible and would make a very nice (after) holiday gift. For more information, read the previous post and go to: http://letsdomagic.org/ or call 203.877.0157

Happy Hanukah and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Steve

 

 

What can I say... the generosity for David from magicians and friends throughout the world has been tremendous. We, CCMA, thank you as I know David does as well. Please inform all your Facebook friends, magic friends and others to also make a donation for David. It is our pleasure to send you as a gift a DO Magic 4 David Oliver wristband for your continues support.

On another note, there are many other fundraisers planned for David. One big one is a show planned for January 19th in Worcester, Massachusetts. There will a matinee and an evening show at Clark University with some wonderful entertainment. For more information, ticket pricing etc please go to: http://letsdomagic.org/ or call 203.877.0157. We hope to see you there.

I have word of some magic dealers ready to give you discounts on products and services with some or all the money going to David as well. Stay tuned for more...

Thanks again for all your continued support,
Steve Wronker

This was part of Jeff McBride's Magic & Mystery School's latest newsletter.

"I get by with a little help from my friends." — John Lennon

John Lennon had it right. We all depend on our friends to get along. They are the real magic that can save lives!

A few years back, my entire show was stolen in Boston. My friend and magician David Oliver saved my show! He helped me rebuild my show in just 2 days to meet my show commitments. David is a wonderful magician and an amazing person. Now, David has a serious health challenge from exposure to doves! Yes, he developed a rare lung disease and needs to have both lungs replaced! Here is the positive news... Magicians from all over are helping David raise funds for his condition. 

"When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it." — Edgar Watson Howe

That’s all the news for now. We hope you’ll be giving thanks for your friends over the coming holiday… just as we give thanks for all of you!

Sincerely,

Jeff McBride, Tobias Beckwith and all the crew at The Magic & Mystery School

ED: To learn more about the Magic & Mystery School, please visit: McBride's Magic & Mystery School

Looks who's wearing the famous purple wristbands. These celebrity magicians and many others have helped in this fundraiser. Do you have yours yet? Make your donation today!

 

 

Email a photo with you wearing the wristband to swronker(at)gmail.com

When it comes to writing words about David, they either have already been written or if you know him, no words can describe him. He is the best.

When we, the CCMA, heard about the medical difficulties our friend and fellow member, David, was having, we as a group knew we had to help. We discussed many ideas at our monthly about how to raise money. One of the ideas we knew we could start right away was to use those silicone wristbands that are so popular as part of a major fundraiser. The wristbands are purple in color as this is David's business color as well as inscribed "DO Magic For David Oliver" The DO is also his initials.

As you can see, we have a "DONATE" button set up through Paypal. You do not have to have a Paypal account to use this donation button. You may use most any credit or debit card. We ask your donation be a minimum of $5. For your donation and as our (CCMA) way of saying thank you, we will send you one of the "DO Magic For David Oliver" wristbands. If you want more than one wristband, we would be happy to send one for each $5 you donated. Example: if you made a $20 donation and want 4 wristbands or if you made a $20 and only want one or two, we will accommodate you. Please let us know how many wristbands you want as you use the Paypal donation link. (there is this link under your donation line "Add special instructions to recipient" Click to open this comment box and let us know if you want more than one wristband).

The paypal donation will be sent to Dan Sclare. He is president of CCMA and a very good friend of David. Dan will then send money directly to David.

If you don't already know, the short version of David's situation is that he is suffering from Hypersensitive Pneumonitis, a rare lung disease he contracted from working with his doves for 30 years. No matter how careful he was cleaning and caring for them, his lungs became damaged. He's on oxygen 24/7, and several medications. After three minor surgeries to diagnose and treat it, David is now in need of having both of his lungs transplanted.  To read about David and his illness, in his own words, please refer to Genii Magazine (August 2011) and to read about his career as a magician read his Wikipedia page

Please bookmark this page and feel free to post this URL on Twitter, Facebook, all other social media sites and your email communications with other magicians and friends.

The Central Connecticut Magicians Association and the many magicians that already generously donated, wish to THANK YOU for your generousity and caring in helping not only a fellow magician, but one of the nicest and most respected persons you would ever want to meet.

David has posted a comment below. Please make sure you read it.

Here are a couple photos of the wristband.