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"Dandy Kids" Documentary Connects Thousands Around the World - They Are Given a Death Sentence; Many Fight To Give Them Life

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.

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 and: Dandy Walker Organization
                                                            
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