"Dandy Kids"

Denver's own Film-It Productions, producers of the award-winning documentary on Dandy-Walker Syndrome (DWS) titled: "Dandy Kids," screened before members of Congress, Congressional staffers, Children's Advocates, and top medical professionals the first week in April at the US Capitol.

"It was a little intimidating at first just walking up to the Capitol and realizing the magnitude of what we were doing. Not knowing who would be in the audience, but at the same time understanding that they were taking notice of what we are fighting for", said Darla Rae - the film's producer and CEO of Film-It Productions." Families who are in this battle with their loving children affected by Dandy Walker Syndrome traveled for hours just to be present and to show their support of "Dandy Kids Documentary" and H Con Res 163, which currently has 83 bipartisan co-sponsors. H Con Res is the result of Dandy Walker Alliance founder Eric Cole, and his diligent efforts to push for legislation. Eric and his wife Andrea attended the screening along with families from Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Colorado, and Alabama. The evening was attended by many physicians, including Commander of the 79th Medical Group at Andrews AFB, Colonel Robert Miller. "This documentary was exceptional in educating people about Dandy Walker. As a Developmental Pediatrician, I cannot think of a better way to better appreciate the challenges families of children with rare diagnosis have to endure. If this documentary helps one child with a rare syndrome or diagnosis, then it was well worth the effort. I have no doubt that this will be the case for this syndrome thanks to "Dandy Kids", said Colonel Miller.

Also on hand to perform her poignant song, "Songbird" which was written for "Dandy Kids" was none other than Nashville recording artist Laura Dodd, accompanied by Tom Walker on the guitar.

"Dandy Kids" is a documentary which features children with Dandy-Walker Syndrome (DWS) and their parents, doctors, nurses, researchers, and members of the US Congress who are advocating for both an increase in awareness and funding from the National Institute of Health. DWS is a brain defect that causes a multitude of other anomalies. Children with DWS can have hydrocephalus, spina bifida, deafness, and heart and kidney problems to name a few.

During the Q&A following the screening Rae and various medical professionals answered many questions in attendance. It was obvious by the questions that many are searching and seeking for answers. "They need help that we as filmmakers can't give, but Congress can. That is why we already have signed up 25 families affected by DWS for our family conference, which will be held April 23, 24, 25th, 2009 in Denver Colorado", said Rae. The conference is for families affected by DWS and medical professionals, and researchers working to make advances in medicine surrounding the diagnosis, both that can educate each other.

It is Rae's desire to have the awareness of DWS elevated to an awareness level to that of Autism or juvenile diabetes. For additional information or to view the movie's trailer please visit www.dandykidsdocumentary.com. Additional information may be found at: www.dandy-walker.org.