Spring Break
Pimping a wheelchair to reach out to young America
Becky Radolf
Issue date: 3/24/09 Section: Focus
After getting caught in a tornado on the way home from their three-week excursion, the crew returned to find that Clifton Downee, a member of Full Effects (an Atlanta-based company similar to West Coast Customs), had provided Darius with a new electric wheelchair, complete with all the souped-up features that Darius wanted.
"'Darius Goes West' was inspirational," said Patrick Murphy, a 6th-semester finance major. "It showed me how we take for granted simple tasks everyday that are huge obstacles for handicapped people."
After the documentary, Daniel Epting, Darius Weems, Jason Hees - all members of the DWG crew - took the stage to discuss their experience and answer questions. Opening up about their favorite moments (Darius's was gambling in Las Vegas) and memories, they emphasized the importance of raising awareness about DMD to the youth of America.
Armed with the goal of selling one million DVD's to earn $17 million for DMD and Charley's fund, the crew commented that they knew making it would be the time of their lives, and they do the screenings to empower youth. They even encouraged UConn students to protest for more wheelchair accessibility and to send footage of the protests to their website.
"Not only was the documentary really powerful, it encouraged an audience who normally wouldn't know about DMD to reach out and get involved" said Eileen Stewart, a 2nd-semester pre-education major.
Ending on a list of "Top Ten Reasons You Should Buy A DVD", the 24-award winning crew left the audience with a new appreciation and optimism for life, and Darius serves as a hero and representation of how important "living life is 'til you don't live it anymore."
"'Darius Goes West' was inspirational," said Patrick Murphy, a 6th-semester finance major. "It showed me how we take for granted simple tasks everyday that are huge obstacles for handicapped people."
After the documentary, Daniel Epting, Darius Weems, Jason Hees - all members of the DWG crew - took the stage to discuss their experience and answer questions. Opening up about their favorite moments (Darius's was gambling in Las Vegas) and memories, they emphasized the importance of raising awareness about DMD to the youth of America.
Armed with the goal of selling one million DVD's to earn $17 million for DMD and Charley's fund, the crew commented that they knew making it would be the time of their lives, and they do the screenings to empower youth. They even encouraged UConn students to protest for more wheelchair accessibility and to send footage of the protests to their website.
"Not only was the documentary really powerful, it encouraged an audience who normally wouldn't know about DMD to reach out and get involved" said Eileen Stewart, a 2nd-semester pre-education major.
Ending on a list of "Top Ten Reasons You Should Buy A DVD", the 24-award winning crew left the audience with a new appreciation and optimism for life, and Darius serves as a hero and representation of how important "living life is 'til you don't live it anymore."
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poulson tanner
posted 3/25/09 @ 6:22 PM EST
u are the coolest kid ever and by fare the toughest come to sulphur inermidat school snd ask for tanner poulson i want talk to u so bad
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