Where Will Darius’ Journey Take You?

If you haven’t heard about Darius Weems, it’s about time you got to know him.   Take a few minutes to watch the video below or spend some time on the Darius Goes West website and you will learn about Darius, eleven of his best friends,  their journey in search of a wheelchair “pimped” by MTV and efforts to raise awarenesse about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and handicap accessibility across America – and you will be inspired in a most profound way.

People all across the country have been spurred into action by Darius, including thousands of students at Morgan County HS and Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School writing letters to more than 50,000 public high schools and middle schools in the country, with Morgan County even sending copies of the Darius Goes West DVD with their letters.  Students were motivated to help Darius and his friends meet their goal of selling 1 million Darius Goes West DVDs before Darius turns 19 (the age his brother Mario died of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) on September 27, 2009.  Each DVD sold raises $17 for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research, increases awareness, and honors Mario’s life, Darius’ courage and all children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Watching this young man grow up on his journey, revel in each experience, raise his voice for young people with DMD and increase the chance of a cure is more than inspiring, it is a powerful example of a living life fully and that

…while you are on earth, there is a reason for you being here.
~Darius Weems

I am sure Darius had no idea what would come of this adventure when he set our as a 15 year old.  His friends had no way of knowing that so many years later, they would still be on the road – expanding Darius’ exposure to the world and bringing a message of hope, strength, vitality and courage with them.  They just knew the road was calling and as they explain it

…life, even when imperfect, is always worth the ride.

This weekend, summon up your courage, shake off the fear and take a step on your road – start by spreading the word about Darius’ journey, purchase a Darius Goes West DVD, read the Darius Goes West blog, follow Darius Goes West on Twitter, tweet about it yourself and use the inspiration to motivate action in your own life.

If you live in the DC area, Darius will be at Sixth & I on Saturday, April 18th to screen the documentary.