What is Darius Weems known for?
Darius Weems has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)—the number one genetic killer of young people in the world. Darius is 22 years old—three years older than his brother Mario was when he died from DMD. The $2 million Darius has already raised for DMD research won't help save his life.
What did Darius Weems do to make a change?
In the middle of 2005 Weems embarked on a 7,000 mile road trip across the United States from his hometown in Georgia to MTV Headquarters in Los Angeles to ask them to customize his wheelchair on Pimp My Ride, as well to promote awareness of the fatal disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and to raise money for research ...
What happened to Darius Weems?
Young disability rights activist Darius Weems died this weekend, according to the website dedicated to his charity foundation. The 27-year-old suffered from complications related to his disability, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
What inspired Darius Weems?
Darius Weems, Athens man affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, leaves behind 'hope,' inspiration. Darius Weems lost his battle with Duchenne muscular dystrophy Oct.
Why did Darius Weems Go West?
Part 1: Suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Weems' trip became "Darius Goes West" doc.
Did Darius get his wheelchair pimped?
The plan: to get to California so that MTV's Pimp My Ride could trick out Darius' wheelchair. Smalley captured the trip on film for the documentary Darius Goes West. While the wheelchair never got pimped, Darius did get to see the Grand Canyon and frolic in the Pacific Ocean.
What was Darius dared to eat in one of the restaurants?
While visiting the San Francisco Zoo, Logan and the other guys on the trip dared him to eat a spoonful of super-spicy wasabi, something he had never heard of before.
How common is DMD?
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare muscle disorder but it is one of the most frequent genetic conditions affecting approximately 1 in 3,500 male births worldwide. It is usually recognized between three and six years of age.
Who took Darius to Los Angeles in Darius Goes West?
So he recruited 11 of his friends (including younger brother, Ben), rented a wheelchair-accessible RV, and took Darius, who had never seen mountains, the ocean, or even crossed a state line, on the adventure of a lifetime.
What is the full form of DMD?
Expand Section. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a form of muscular dystrophy. It worsens quickly. Other muscular dystrophies (including Becker muscular dystrophy) get worse much more slowly. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by a defective gene for dystrophin (a protein in the muscles).
Where can I watch Darius Goes West?
Darius Goes West on Vimeo.