The daughter of late actor Leonard Nimoy announced today that she will be developing a new documentary film to help those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nimoy, who is best known as the character Mr. Spock in the “Star Trek” series, died February 27 from complications associated with COPD.
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“In retrospect, I believe my father would have greatly benefited from new information on the latest treatment options available, ” said Nimoy’s daughter, Julie Nimoy. “As a special tribute to my father, and to bring more information about COPD to light, I am pleased to announce that my fiancée, David Knight, and I are producing a new documentary film that is going to include the latest advances and treatments available today.”
COPD is characterized by a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, activity limitation, respiratory infections, and general fatigue. Most medical experts agree that cigarette smoking is the Number 1 cause of this condition. Other risk factors include exposure to certain gases or fumes, large amounts of secondhand smoke, and air pollution. In rare cases, nonsmokers can also develop COPD due to lack of a protein, which is called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or A1AD. COPD affects more than 24 million Americans, including 1.6 million Californians.
Executive Producer David Knight commented that, “Our goal is to educate the public and help those living with the symptoms of COPD by providing timely and important information about the latest in therapies and treatments for this disease”. In addition, the film will also include the accounts of patients who will describe how they have managed their COPD symptoms to achieve a more fulfilling life.
“COPD is the third most common cause of death in the United States today, ” according to the documentary’s Medical Advisor, Dr. Richard Casaburi. “Despite this, ” he adds, “It is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. The COPD Film Project will raise awareness of this illness and help those stricken with it to take advantage of medical advances that have the potential to improve their lives. We hope this film will be a fitting tribute to Leonard Nimoy, who accomplished so much in his life despite being afflicted by COPD.”
The documentary, titled COPD: The Logical Way to Improve Lung Function and Breathe Better, will be released by Health Point Productions in the winter of 2015.
