opinion
SMALL WORDS, BIG PICTURES
I wrote a children’s book about my son’s murder in the Parkland school shooting—because I don’t want other parents to ever have to tell a story like this.
Patricia Oliver is the mother of Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, who was murdered in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting.
Patricia grew up in Venezuela. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and an associate's degree in public relations. She and her husband Manuel, and their children Joaquin and Andrea, immigrated to the United States in 2003. They chose Parkland, Florida, for its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community and excellent schools. But, after the shocking events on February 14, 2018, her ordinary life changed forever. Patricia has become an activist and is devoted daily to fighting for change and common-sense gun reform. Hence, nobody has to endure the pain and suffering of losing a loved one to gun violence. Patricia's fight is inspired by the youth movement and other organizations combating gun violence.