Darius Goes West--an Update

In July of 2005, eleven of us—an even mix of college juniors and 18-year-olds who had just graduated from high school--took then 15-year-old Darius Weems out West. We wanted to see if we could convince MTV to customize Darius’ wheelchair on their popular show, “Pimp My Ride.”

On our three-week journey, Darius, who had never left Athens, dipped his toes in the ocean for the first time, saw mountains for the first time, went spelunking, saw the Grand Canyon, met many celebrities, and had the time of his life. We all did.

We also filmed every minute of the trip and made it into a documentary designed to raise awareness of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the disease Darius has.

 Maybe you were at the Athens Courthouse the day we left on that memorable journey. Mayor Heidi Davison declared July 22 as Darius Goes West Day, and we’ve been celebrating that day ever since. As we begin to celebrate our Seventh Annual Darius Goes West Day (actually a three-day event now), so much has happened…

Never in our wildest dreams did we expect that our documentary would go on to win 28 film festival awards in 2007. We never expected to be on Nightline, Ellen DeGeneres, The Today Show, The CBS Morning Show, or CNN…twice. We never thought we’d spend 2008-09 on the road…again, raising awareness of DMD by visiting hundreds of middle/high schools and college campuses across the United States, as well as Canada. We never anticipated turning into our own 501(c)(3). And we certainly never expected to raise (to date) almost $2 million for DMD research!

But here we are in 2011, going stronger than ever.

Darius’ health remains stable, and he has just returned from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, where he has begun participating in a clinical trial designed for older boys with DMD who have heart problems.

Through our super-popular DGW educational “Know About It” program, in which we offer free DVDs to educators, he continues to visit schools within two hours of Athens and video chats (using Skype) with schools nationwide at least six times a week…often more. His picture and story also appear on the back of 40 million Dorito bags.

All of these accolades are awesome, but we still remember our roots, and that’s what Darius Goes West Day is all about. It’s our chance to celebrate with the Athens community that got us to this point, so we hope to see y’all at one of the many events we have planned this weekend.

Thanks for your continuing support of a cause we remain passionate about.

Here're activities for Darius Goes West Week:

WHAT: DEALING FOR DARIUS/CASINO FOR A CURE

WHEN: Thursday, July 22

WHERE: Lucky Dawg Billiards (1120 Mitchell Bridge Rd.)

DON'T MISS IT BECAUSE: The top finisher in this Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament will win a Casino Package, and second and third place will win cool stuff, too (click here for details). Other great prizes will be up for grabs at Casino for a Cure (same night, same time, same place).

TICKETS: Click here for prize & event details, and to purchase advanced tickets to the Poker Tournament online.

WHAT: FAMILY FUN NIGHT/CARNIVAL

WHEN: Friday, July 22; 5:00 - 9:00 PM

WHERE: , 2950 Atlanta Hwy (next to Bulldog Car Wash; across from Target).

DON'T MISS IT BECAUSE: It's FREE and fun for all ages. Ride a mechanical bull, grab a friend and zip down a HUGE double water slide/slip 'n slide, shoot some hoops (and get drenched if you miss too many baskets), ride a pony, dunk Atlanta Falcon Dunte Robinson or a UGA athlete in the dunk tank, get an airbrush tattoo, "pimp" out a Goslabi t-shirt, challenge Big D in video games, take the Goslabi Challenge (IF you're brave enough), witness DGW crew member Jason Hees shave his head (for real!), and much, much more. will be cooking up some bbq, and DJ Kevin Cheek will be spinning tunes.  RAIN OR SHINE!

TICKETS: You don't need one - FREE (except for food and drinks).

WHAT: DARIUS GOES WEST SCREENING

WHEN: Saturday, July 23; 7:00 PM

WHERE: (234 W. Hancock Ave.)

DON'T MISS IT BECAUSE: It's a rare chance to see (or see again) our multi-award-winning documentary on the big screen. A Q&A with Darius and the crew AND special guest Charley Seckler (of Charley's Fund, where all our proceeds go) will follow the screening.

TICKETS : $5 at the door (with all proceeds benefiting Duchenne muscular dystrophy research).

Here's a film synopsis: 

In this multi-award-winning 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 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (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.

WHAT: BUBBA SPARXXX and THE NAPPY ROOTS IN CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS GEORGIA GURLZ AND ELITE THA SHOWSTOPPA

WHEN: Saturday, July 23; 9:00 PM

WHERE: (285 W. Washington St.)

DON'T MISS IT BECAUSE: The all-female rap group, Georgia Gurlz, will get things rocking, followed by the always-entertaining Elite Tha Showstoppa (with his band). Next, Skinny, Scales, and Big V. of The Nappy Roots keep things moving, followed by Bubba Sparxxx. DGW's very own Big Daddy Weems will also take the stage!

TICKETS: $10 in advance (click here to purchase) or at the door/night of show.