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    [title] => DARIUS GOES WEST
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Is this a...: 
ongoing project
Web site link: 
www.dariusgoeswest.org
Video (optional): 
    
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 
7
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
13
How many people has your project helped?  : 
100000
Location(s)

Athens, GA, 30606
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
Why is it important to you?: 
In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
What's your plan of action?: 
Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
How Can Others Help?: 

 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.
 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum
Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
6240
Start Date: 
12/01/2004
Money Raised: 
To date, Darius's movie has raised over $1.6 million for DMD research...and he's just getting started!
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                    [value] => Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
                    [view] => Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
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                    [value] => In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
                    [view] => In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
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                    [value] => Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
                    [view] => Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
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 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org

Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org

Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.

 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum

Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)
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 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.
 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum
Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)

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Video (optional): 
    

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Athens, GA, 30606
See map: Google Maps
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What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
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Why is it important to you?: 
In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
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Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
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 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.
 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum
Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)

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What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
Why is it important to you?: 
In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
What's your plan of action?: 
Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
How Can Others Help?: 

 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.
 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum
Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)

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Total hours volunteered (to date): 
6240
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Start Date: 
12/01/2004
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Money Raised: 
To date, Darius's movie has raised over $1.6 million for DMD research...and he's just getting started!
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                    [#children] => 
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
6240
Start Date: 
12/01/2004
Money Raised: 
To date, Darius's movie has raised over $1.6 million for DMD research...and he's just getting started!
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Is this a...: 
ongoing project
Web site link: 
www.dariusgoeswest.org
Video (optional): 
    
Current age (NOTE: this section is for people 25 and younger): 
7
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
13
How many people has your project helped?  : 
100000
Location(s)

Athens, GA, 30606
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Darius Weems was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven years ago, he lost his beloved older brother, Mario, to the same disease. Many people don't know about DMD, yet it is the number one genetic killer of children in the world! 

Kids with DMD are born with full mobility. But this disease weakens muscles over time, and most lose the ability to walk by age 10 or so and must use a wheelchair. DMD is 100% fatal, with the majority of children affected dying in their late teens or early twenties when the heart muscle deteriorates. 

The good news is, DMD research is burgeoning. Scientists have discovered the cause of this disease, and for the first time in history, several human clinical trials are underway and showing great promise. Darius's mission is not only to raise awareness of his disease, but to help fund a cure. He knows that it probably won't happen in time to save his life, but he's determined to do all he can to save the lives of the thousands of younger children with this terrible disease.
Why is it important to you?: 
In 2005, at age 15, Darius left his home state of Georgia for the first time. With the help of 11 of his best friends, he rented a wheelchair accessible RV and took the ultimate road trip. 

This journey had four major goals: (1) To raise awareness of DMD, particularly among a younger generation not familiar with Jerry Lewis and his annual telethon for muscular dystrophy, (2) To raise funds for DMD research, (3) To test wheelchair accessibility across America, AND (4) To reach Los Angeles and convince MTV's popular show, "Pimp My Ride" to customize his wheelchair. 

Traveling over 7,000 miles, Darius and his crew discovered joy, brotherhood, and the knowledge that life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
What's your plan of action?: 
Darius's trip was filmed from start to finish and edited into a 90-minute documentary called "Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life" In 2007, while Darius was completing his senior year of high school, his documentary won an unprecedented 28 film festival awards worldwide. 

At nearly every screening, educators would come up to Darius and his crew and ask how they could share this film with their students. So, in January of 2008, with the help of a few teachers, the Darius Goes West "Know About It" (a tagline Darius uses in the film at the end of each rap he performs) educational program was launched. The DGW "Know About It" program provides lesson plans in many subjects (Science, English, Social Studies, Health, Math, etc.) that go with the film and are geared to 6th through 12th grade. 

Also in 2008, Darius Goes West was released on DVD. Although there were offers from film companies to distribute DGW commercially, Darius and his crew decided to remain independent and sell DVDs online at their website. That way, $17 of every $20 DVD could go directly to DMD research. Darius appeared on "Nightline," "The Today Show," and "Ellen DeGeneres," which boosted DVD sales. Also, middle and high school students who watched DGW began rallying around his cause by organizing fundraisers. Collectively, these schools raised nearly $100,000 in 2008 alone! 

On September 27, 2008, Darius turned 19, the same age his brother Mario was when he lost his battle with DMD. Instead of dwelling on this, Darius opted to celebrate his 19th year by doing something positive. He and his crew launched an ambitious campaign called "One Million DVDs...One Year," and hit the road...again. Since September, they have been traveling across the U.S. appearing at screenings and visiting middle and high schools, as well as colleges, to sell DVDs. 

At one school visit, Darius caught the attention of Dr. Mark Wilson, the National Principal of the Year. His students were so moved by Darius and his mission that they decided to hand-write letters to every high school in America, encouraging them to watch DGW and help with Darius's cause. A middle school in Syracuse, NY that Darius had visited, agreed to write to every middle school in America. On February 12, 2009, those letters were sent out to 50,000 schools...and thanks to a sponsor, a DVD was included in each mailing.
How Can Others Help?: 

 Buy a DVD! Remember, that $17 of each $20 DVD purchase goes to DMD research. DVDs are available at  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Host a screening of Darius Goes West. You can do this in your school, in your community, and even in your living room. Check out the "host a screening" link at our website for tips.  www.dariusgoeswest.org
Organize a fundraiser for Darius Goes West.
 Join the DGW forum at  www.dariusgoeswest.org/forum
Become Darius's friend on Facebook or Myspace (Darius Weems)
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
6240
Start Date: 
12/01/2004
Money Raised: 
To date, Darius's movie has raised over $1.6 million for DMD research...and he's just getting started!
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