"Dandy Kids" Documentary Connects Thousands Around the World - They Are Given a Death Sentence; Many Fight To Give Them Life
Denver, CO (Billboard Publicity Wire) February 2, 2008 -- Film It Productions, Inc. and Director Darla Rae today announced the overwhelming response to Ms. Rae's new documentary "Dandy Kids". "Dandy Kids" tells the story of Ms. Rae's great nephew, Hunter, who was diagnosed before birth with Dandy Walker Syndrome, a brain malformation of the cerebellum, leading to a variety of health concerns, including autism, heart problems, and spina bifida. While making the film, Ms. Rae came into contact with thousands of families, worldwide, whose children have also been diagnosed with Dandy Walker Syndrome.
As part of the film, Ms. Rae interviewed several of those families, as well as doctors and researchers knowledgeable about Dandy Walker Syndrome, and (R) US Congresswoman Heather Wilson and (D) US Congressman Chris Van Hollen, co-sponsors of House Congressional Resolution 163 which directs the NIH to use already allocated funds to research the causes of and treatments for Dandy Walker Syndrome.
Dandy Kids was screened for the families who participated in making the film, members of the press, and benefactors of "Dandy Kids". Eric Cole, Founder of the Dandy Walker Alliance, said, "What you've done is to bring together families in a forum that never existed before. You've provided hope for a community where there previously was none."
Ms. Rae, the director of the award winning feature film "The Goal", said, "I am so moved by the families' response to 'Dandy Kids'. I set out to tell the story of Hunter and his accomplishments, and how his diagnosis of Dandy Walker Syndrome affected our family. In the end it became the story of thousands around the world. One man wrote, 'Please for you to help my child!' At that point I never looked back. I feel a sense of urgency. I don't want one more family or child to be lost in the crack. I feel like these kids are my kids, I couldn't, not make this film."
Nashville recording artist, Laura Dodd, whose song "Song Bird" was written for the film is a heart wrenching ballad about children whose parents come to the rescue and make it all better in the end. Ms. Dodd spoke after the screening about how moved she was, and thanked Ms. Rae for making a film that will help so many families connect with each other and get the help and resources they need.
Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor of "James Hubbard's My Family Doctor", said, "I was privileged to see 'Dandy Kids' at the sneak preview. At the end of the film, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. And yet, it wasn't depressing. It was hopeful. This film stands on its own."
"Dandy Kids" is both touching and informative, and the strength of the families involved is inspiring, said Jennifer Wilde of Alice 105.9 morning radio show.
World-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson whose interview is included in the film said, "these people are individuals, and you can't lump them all together. I have had lots of patients who have Dandy Walker Syndrome and they lead normal productive lives. You will find that your efforts will preserve lives."
For more information visit: Dandy Kids Documentary (http://www.dandykidsdocumentary.com) and: Dandy Walker Organization (http://www.dandy-walker.org)
###
Related Articles:
Obesity In Children And Teens - A Growing Problem
Inner Harbour for Children and Families, a non-profit residential treatment center that provides behavioral health programs and educational services for children, treats too many obese children too often. The holidays are over and the reality now sets in that there is a real problem, and it is becoming evident in many medical treatment facilities around the nation that treat these troubled teens.
Keeping Children Safe, Happy and Healthy on TV's 'Real Moms'! What Can Britney Spears Do To Prevent Losing Custody of Her Kids?
The award-winning series Real Moms, Real Stories, Real Savvy offers parents insightful solutions in this weeks' episode with a segment entitled, "How to Keep Kids Healthy" and investigate the "Effects of Divorce on Families" in an upcoming episode.
Teach Your Kids to Cook Well, Eliminating Excessive Health Care Needs in the Future
We are all aware of the child obesity epidemic that has not only attacked the United States, but internationally as well. To keep our children healthy and keep health care costs down, we must examine even the simplest angles to prevent this problem.
CrossFit Boulder Creek Sponsors December Fundraiser for World Concern’s Kids to Kids Program
Beth Moscov, head trainer and owner of CrossFit Boulder Creek, is sponsoring a December fundraising drive for World Concern on December 28th, 2005. For a donation of $15.00, you can train with Beth at her mountain facility just outside Boulder Creek, from 9:00 am to 11:30am.
High Octane RC Cars - The Ultimate Toy for Both Kids and Adults
The need for speed is in all of us. No matter if it's buried deep down inside you, its there, just waiting to be let out. Youll know it when you pick up a remote, pull a trigger and see an RC car shoot by you faster than what you ever thought was possible. The fastest RC cars will elicit a goofy, awe-struck smile from 8 year olds and 50 year olds alike.
Cheap Auto Insurance - 10 Crucial Tips For Traveling Teens And Petrified Parents
Cheap auto insurance can cost you a bundle if you don't keep a few crucial tips in mind. You have to do your homework to ensure that you understand the fine print - especially if you have a teenager on the verge of discovering the joys and freedom of driving. You don't want to discover too late that your cheap auto insurance policy doesn't provide coverage for a young driver...
Ten Self-Esteem-Building Tips for Teens In Time for February's National Boost Your Self-Esteem Month
February is National Boost Your Self-Esteem Month and not a month too soon for teens who are in dire needs of self-esteem boosting. Low self-esteem is a critical issue facing teens today. It has been proven that low self-esteem affects learning and can lead to such problems as delinquency, unhealthy relationships, eating disorders, drugs and suicide. Hey U.G.L.Y. has teamed with the National Association for Self Esteem help teens realize they are cool just the way they are.
I Can Do That! Games? Introduces Three New Games for Kids and Families at New York International Toy Fair, Based on Classic Dr. Seuss Stories
Award-winning game developer debuts active game for preschoolers plus two games for ages 8-adult that help families get to know each other better
Obese Mothers make Obese kids!
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claims that the doctors start giving attention to the children of overweight parents very early- by the age of 4 at the latest. "We found dramatic increase in body fat between ages three and six", said Dr Robert Berkowitz, who led the study.
Pro Soccer Players Attempt to Break Guinness World Record for Number of Hugs to Benefit Dreams for Kids
The first annual Embrace Race to break the Guinness World Record for number of hugs will be held in Chicago on June 1-2 on Michigan Avenue next to the Chicago River. The goal is to hug more then 4,135 people and raise money and awareness for Dreams for Kids.
Branded Snow Globes- They Are Not Just For Kids Anymore
If you are looking for a promotional item that has appeal to everyone, one of the promotional items that people have found to be very effective is promotional snow globes They have a lot of qualities that make them a good promotional item
How to Make a Model Volcano and Other Fun Kids Party Special Effects
Kids love magic tricks and special effects because they surprise and delight with the unexpected. Here's a collection of easy yet impressive special effects to try at your next kids party.
Top Ten Ways to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children is the best way to ensure that they live a happy, successful, and responsible life as an adult. Here are ten ways to help your kids attain a high degree of emotional intelligence:1.
Teen Dating - A Safe Place For Teens!
Undoubtedly, in the net today, there are so many teens that are also looking for love For some parents this circumstance can be nerve-racking especially if the person your teenager is dating a stranger
Dr. Edward F. Dragan, Author of the Soon to be Released Book, 'Keeping Kids Safe in School: What Every Parent and Teacher Should Know,' Comments on
School safety could be greatly increased through the practice of proactive risk management. Teachers and administrators must scrutinize their procedures, equipment use and personal practices for ways to ensure the safety of everyone concerned.