Darius Goes West - One Year. One Million DVDs.

You’ve heard what Cinematical thinks of Darius Goes West.

You know what The Los Angeles Times says…

and DVD Talk, Variety, and dozens of other publications and panels from international film festivals.

But what do middle and high school students across America have to say about DARIUS GOES WEST? Read on for a small sampling of fan mail we’ve received…

“You have touched my life in a special way and this makes me want to do something to help people with disabilities. Thank you for being who you are. A hero in my eyes and a great inspiration.”
– Kecia F.

“Let me start off with this – you are a great rapper. You have inspired me to believe in myself, that I can do anything. You have inspired me and now you are like my role model.”
– Annelis B.

“Usually you walk away from movies like this like, ‘Aww, look at the poor kid in the wheelchair.’ But when I walked away from this movie, I was like, ‘Hey, look at those cool guys and this awesome kid in the wheelchair!’”
–Eli T.

“Many people with the disease you have would just give up and stay home all day and be sad because they have a disease, but you didn’t do that. Darius, you’re different, you’re very different – and people like you inspire not only me but other students and adults as well.”
– Amber H.

“It is good to know that someone out there is doing stuff to help, and it is not just adults but people around the age of kids that I hang out with!”
– Amanda L.

“I know that you want to be a hero and you already are a hero for everyone because you’re being such a good person. I hope I see you on TV again and also keep on rapping because it might get you a lot of stuff. I think you should get a CD about rapping because you rap good.”
– Edisson P.

“Darius, I learned so many things by watching your movie. I learned that you have to be positive not negative. You also have to enjoy your life and never give up. I deeply enjoyed watching your movie and remember you are so special to us and to your mother and always take care.”
– Enma A.

“You teach us that nothing in life is impossible. It just depends on you and the effort that you put into it… thank you for sharing part of your life to us.”
– Yomira B.

” One thing I will never forget about this movie are the morals and the themes. It showed that no matter what your capabilities are, you can always go further.”
–Alija R.

“When you went to the beach, rode on the air balloon, went to the zoo and to more places it showed me that when you were making your dreams come true you were the happiest person in the world… You remember when you ate goslabi? I know how it feels to try something you haven’t tasted. I remember when I went to the Olive Garden and tried a dish and it was nasty.”
– Genesis Genao

“Only one problem with this movie: it was too good! Definitely one to see over and over. A story of this much depth told by a bunch of whacked out college students is incredible. I’ve never seen a more hopeful, heartfelt, moving film such as this on. It compares to nothing and is so sincere.”
– Alissa R.

“That movie lets lots of people know how good of a life you still have because it lets people know that you’re strong and you’re brave.”
– Victoria B.

“I have to say I loved your movie. It made me care about the situation. It inspired me so much and the guys that helped must be very good friends of yours… Thank you for making this movie. It’s very helpful for kids like you to help. It’s like saying ‘when the go and get tough the tough gets going.’ So it’s very cool.”
– William D.

“I got so touched because some people aren’t grateful for having all their body elements… I really don’t feel bad for you because I see that you live a great life and you can’t move but you act like a normal person. You are one inspiring kid, Darius. You have made me love life more than I do now. Just know that God loves you and that you have to keep on going strong.”
– Estrella G.

“Keep up the rapping. It’s cool. I love the message you are sending to the world.”
– Astrid G.

“You are a Muscular Dystrophy hero and I think you should be very proud of yourself because all these other kids have the same thing and they look up to you… I bet your brother is looking at you now and is so proud of you… You and your friends did a great thing for all people — not just people with MD or people in wheelchairs — for all people because you show us that one person can make a difference. Also live life to the fullest.”
– Shaneel L.

“I saw your documentary and I was speechless. We are writing to you to show that kids care as well, and that you inspired all of us to care. I never knew about MD until I saw this movie… DGW – 3 letters that mean so much to the world now… it shows we are all the same, no matter what – ain’t no race, disability, nothing gonna separate us. You showed us that we are capable to do whatever we want to do. Thank you, hope they find a cure. We now know about it.”
– Ferimix R.

“I thought it was amazing how they took you to the beach for the first time and the tide helped you stand up. I really wonder how it felt to know that you were standing for at least some time in your life… Some of the movie was heartbreaking and some was just good to watch… Dude, you have a tricked out wheelchair for crying out loud. I want one, so I don’t have to walk to school!”
– Renee C.

“Your mother should be a really proud person to have someone like you as a son because you don’t let your life pass by just sitting down in your house. You connect with so much people and you even inspire so much kids and adults to fight for a cure for this horrible killer disease. I think it’s really mind popping for you to care so much about others and not just about yourself. You don’t let being in a wheelchair affect your fun life… I really got your message when you said, ‘When I stop, my wheels keep spinning’… When I saw you in that store with the Lamborghini cars and I saw all those people, I thought that you have encouraged a huge audience all over the world, and you even created a huge one at our school.”
– Christy H.

“You have done things I’ve always wanted to do. I wonder how it feels being in a hot air balloon. Wow! But you’ve also done a lot of things I’ve done, which shows others that people in wheelchairs are just like people that stand on two feet.”
– Madgaliza S.

“I want you to know that you’re my hero because you are a very cool kid. I know that I’m a girl, but I like cars a lot too. I like the Lamborghini, Mercedes, and the Ferrari. My grandfather had the DeLorean. We have that in common. We probably have a lot more things in common.”
– Crystal C.

“The first time I saw your movie, I felt sad. But then while I was watching the movie I started to understand muscular dystrophy. I also understood that you are like every other person and you should be treated just like I would treat my friends. To me you are a hero because I don’t know anyone else who has that specific disease and could be like one of the guys. Keep doing all those fun things and living all of your dreams to the fullest.”
– Ismael H.

“This movie has changed the way I think. I’m not as ignorant any more. When I saw this movie, there are no words to explain how I felt. I didn’t feel sorry for you. As a matter of fact, I felt excited for you because you got to have this great experience.”
– Ysbriel P.

“Your story has touched me in such a great way because of the fact that even if you’re disabled, you still live life to the fullest. That makes me a better person because there are times that I feel like the world is coming down on my shoulders, but when I feel like that, I just think of how strong you are and that makes me feel better.”
– Jahani S.

“You inspired me not to take life for granted. You showed me to enjoy every single day of my life. To appreciate my friends more… You’re the MD hero… a hero of inspiration and hope. You overcame every obstacle that came to your path… Thank you for inspiring millions.”
– Alexander R.

“I cried, laughed, and I thought what you’ve said gave a message to all of us. That message was that we are all the SAME NO MATTER WHAT.”
– Leticia C.

“I think what you did was amazing. I always used to say ‘Who’s Darius, I don’t care’ and now I do care and want to give and help to find a cure.”
– Raven C.

“You are very cool… This dollar I am going to give to you is special. I hope this helps you find a cure. Rock on!”
– Pedro L.

“You look like a kid who likes to have fun. You and me both like video games and maybe we have more in common. We could talk about our problems and help each other. I have this great idea that can help raise money for us to find a cure for you. We get our old or broken jewelry and we can either go to a jewelry shop and sell it, or mail it and they will send you back money. I really want to help because I really care. And I know how it feels to be sick. Whenever I get sick for anything like a cold I am never brave about it. That’s why I consider you a really brave kid.”
– Juan R.

“You motivated me to get my act together. I have come to realize that life is too short and you have to live it your way… It touched me when you were on the road going west and you called your mom. You started talking to her, laughing and having a good time. I felt as if I was actually there. That’s a wonderful feeling.”
– Jessica L.

“That movie really touched me because it was sad to me, but it was funny at the same time. Yo, you a funny dude, son!… I’m sorry about your brother. You and everybody knows that he is looking down at you and smiling, cause he is happy for the way you lived your life. Keep living it.”
– Wilton P.

“Today while I was walking from school, I realized that some schools and grocery stores do and don’t have ramps. I think they should have ramps because it is important for people who can’t walk to get to places as the same for people who can walk.”
– Melissa C.

“My favorite part of the movie was when you went to the Grand Canyon, you said, “I feel like I’m the king of the world,” then you started crying. I felt your tear come down my face too.”
– Katheryn G.

“After seeing your movie twice, I am changing, because I never liked to go outside and my mom’s always telling me there are kids who can’t really go outside and play because they feel kids would make fun of them. I was like, I don’t care, but after seeing you in the movie, I go outside and do community service for kids.”
– Nasheema M.