Who is Darius and why should we meet him? Darius is a teenager who lives in Athens, Georgia. What makes Darius special is that he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children around the world. Children with DMD cannot produce dystrophin, a protein necessary for muscle strength and function. As a result, every skeletal muscle in the body deteriorates. Although Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder to affect children, there is no cure. Here are some stark facts about DMD:
• DMD has a 100% fatality rate.
• Most DMD kids die in their late teens or early twenties.
• Most boys with DMD are in a wheelchair, most between 10-12 years old.
• DMD is associated with respiratory failure, heart failure, and debilitating orthopedic complications.
Darius is featured in a multi-award-winning documentary called Darius Goes West. In this documentary fifteen-year-old Darius Weems and eleven of his best friends set off across America with the ultimate goal of getting his wheelchair customized on MTV’s Pimp My Ride. The result is a rarely seen testament to the explosive idealism of today’s youth, as well as a vivid portrayal of adventure, of brotherhood, and of the character and strength it takes to shed light on an uncertain future. Not only does Darius Weems bravely face his own inevitable fate with DMD, but through his unflinching humor and his extraordinary laugh, he sparks a revolution in the lives of everyone who crosses-and then shares- his courageous path. Part revolution, part revelation, this film proves to people of all ages how life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.
The Shoshana S. Cardin School will be screening Darius Goes West for the entire teen community (families are invited too!) on Sunday, November 15, at 5:30 pm at Beth El Congregation. Following the screening we will have an opportunity to chat with Darius. Please mark your calendars for this very important event. Over the next few weeks I will be giving everyone more information about Darius, DMD, the screening and how you can get involved.
Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon
Director of Admissions
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