Darius Goes TIP

Darius Weems, center, with the M&M class.

In 2005, 15-year-old Athens, Ga., native Darius Weems started a journey.

Weems, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and a group of 11 friends set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of getting his wheelchair pimped by the crew from MTV's popular "Pimp My Ride." Along for the ride was a camera to document their experience, which was the first time Weems had ever left Athens. The end result was the documentary Darius Goes West, a film that has captured hearts of audience members across the country and turned into a movement to raise money to cure DMD.

"It just feels good being able to see how good we did and how good we still are doing," Weems said Wednesday afternoon. He took time to speak with the M&M and Sports Medicine classes and answer their questions about life since the film.

The 20-year-old has since traveled 47 states with the DGW team, holding speaking engagements and viewings of the film at high schools and colleges.

"I would definitely say Darius Goes West inspired me to do most things that I thought I couldn't do...And it just changed my life from sitting at home into traveling," he said.

The film has also allowed him to share his life story. "I inspired a lot of people, so it keeps me up in spirits and it makes me keep on wanting to find a cure to this disease."

Weems received national attention on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Today Show, and has since met a long list of celebrities, including LL Cool J, Kanye West, William H. Macy, Bill Gates, Ben Affleck, and Robin Williams. He also got a letter from Beyonce.

Aside from working with the DGW movement, Weems is focusing on developing a rap career. "I like to inspire people through my music," he said. He will perform three of his original raps Saturday at the Darius Goes West Day festivities held in Athens.

Weems also took a moment to provide the TIPsters with words of advice on how to start their own movements for things they are passionate about.

"Just bring it to the people," he explained, "because without the people you have nothing."

M&M TIPsters are providing additional content on Darius Weems and Darius Goes West at athensteens.blogspot.com.