Darius Goes West

I mentioned Darius Weems in a previous post. Darius is a 17-year-old from Athens, Georgia, with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Darius' friends took him cross country to see if they could get Mtv's Pimp My Ride to pimp his wheelchair. They also wanted to take Darius on the trip of his lifetime.

Darius' older brother also had DMD and died in his late teens. Yes, Darius wanted to get his ride pimped, but he also wanted to make people his age -- the people who live and die with DMD -- aware of the disease. DMD is what the Jerry Lewis Telethon is all about, but seriously, who watches that anymore? Darius knew people his age watched Mtv. What better way to make them aware?

But Darius' friends also wanted Darius to see the country. Darius had never been outside of his county. He swam in the ocean, he went to New Orleans, he saw the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Carlsbad Caverns, San Francisco, and St Louis. He went to a ranch and went white water rafting. Darius did more than many of us will do in our lifetime.

Logan Smalley and the crew made a documentary of their trip, Darius Goes West. It's absolutely heartwarming. This group of guys went from one coast to the other (and back), bonded, and acted like guys. This group of guys, ranging in age from late teens to late twenties, proved that their generation is not lost. These are the guys who will change the world.

Darius is living his life like a 17-year old. He is full of energy and spunk and is a pleasure. He plays video games, watches Mtv, raps, and enjoys himself. Dairus, and everyone involved with the project, want to find a cure for DMD. They know it won't happen during Darius' lifetime, but Darius (and everyone) wants to make sure it will be cured for future generations.

They are making the film festival circuit. Showings are available on their Web site, www.dariusgoeswest.com. They've shown at two festivals and won awards at both. They won Best Documentary and Audience Choice Award at ours.

They want to get the word out about DMD. All money made by the film will go to Charly's Fund to help find a cure for DMD. If you have a chance to see the film, do. You will not regret it. Have Kleenex ready.

You can see the trailer on You Tube. Darius has a MySpace page. They are trying to get on Oprah. Nightline filmed their time at the Santa Barbara Film Festival; it will air February 16.

Go see the film. Look at their Web site. Watch Nightline. Tell your friends. These guys will change the world. Be a part of it.