On Monday, February 18, Pacific Union College (PUC) will present the award-winning documentary film Darius Goes West at 7 p. m. in Paulin Hall Auditorium. Admission is free.

Darius Weems is a 15-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the most common fatal genetic disorder among children worldwide. The film follows Darius as he travels from his home in Athens, Georgia, to Los Angeles in the hopes of having MTV's "Pimp My Ride" customize his wheelchair.

During the cross-country RV ride, Darius and his friends tested accessibility in America, celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and raised awareness of DMD. They also found joy, brotherhood and the knowledge that life, even when it is imperfect, is always worth the ride.

The all-male road trip is punctuated by hilarious and unexpected events, including a swamp boat tour, cattle ranching, Las Vegas casinos and featuring appearances by Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy.

The documentary is intended to entertain as well as raise awareness of DMD. It has been featured on Nightline, The Today Show and Ellen DeGeneres and has won numerous festival awards. Several of the filmmakers will be on hand at the PUC viewing to answer questions about the film, which has elicited emotional responses from many viewers.

All profits raised from screenings of Darius Goes West will be donated to Charley's Fund, a nonprofit that finances research aimed at developing a treatment or cure for DMD. Over the past two years, scientists have made significant advances that have set the stage for a medical breakthrough in this field.

More information can be found at http://www.dariusgoeswest.com