Darius Goes West

“It shouldn’t take knowing that you are dying in order for you to live.”

These words are the life motto of Darius Weems, a 22-year-old Do Something Award recipient with Duchenne Muscular Dystropy (DMD). A degenerative disease that primarily affects the voluntary muscles (those you control). It’s also the number one genetic killer of young people worldwide.

Despite relying on a wheelchair for mobility, Weems has managed to travel across the country—shedding light on a disease that has already claimed his older brother.

“The end for Mario was tough, but no matter how rough it got, he stayed strong and positive, mostly because I don't think he wanted me to worry about him,” shared Weems. “When he passed, I decided to live my life the same way.”

“I don't let small things get to me. I just try to live life every day to the fullest,” he added.

Following an episode of MTV's “Pimp My Ride,” an idea was sparked for a cross country road trip that has changed many lives. Weems and his friend Logan Smalley (who promised Mario to look after Darius) decided to travel from Athens, Ga. to Los Angeles to convince MTV to bling out his wheelchair. The goal was to raise awareness about DMD. Over 100,000 miles later and more than eight times as many lives touched—we’d say he’s doing a damn good job.

“Darius Goes West,” the documentary chronicling Weems’ journey, has won 28 film festival awards. Weems, along with his crew of 11, has raised over $2 million (and counting) for DMD research.

Now the group  is payin’ it forward with a month long tour to visit the dozens of schools that have supported the cause.

According to Smalley, the goal of this northeast tour is to continue raising awareness of DMD and introduce Darius as an inspirational/motivational rapper.

And even though he knows a cure won’t be found in his lifetime, Weems says he has found a way to look out for his “little brothers.”

What can you do?

Host a viewing of “Darius Goes West” at your school.

Make a cause button and give them out to your friends.