In the United States, over 11.7 million individuals are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while an additional 18 million may be undiagnosed. Leonard Nimoy, renowned for his role as Spock in Star Trek, was diagnosed with COPD in 2013 and succumbed to the disease in 2015.
The American Lung Association has announced a partnership with The Nimoy Knight Foundation and Health Point Productions to raise awareness about COPD and the significance of smoking cessation. This collaboration will involve promoting the documentary "Remembering Leonard Nimoy: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD" and working alongside The Nimoy Knight Foundation to increase understanding of COPD.
COPD encompasses conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, making breathing difficult. Despite being treatable and often preventable, it remains a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. Julie Nimoy and her husband David Knight established The Nimoy Knight Foundation to honor Leonard Nimoy's life.
David Knight expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Julie and I are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the American Lung Association,” he said. “Celebrating Leonard’s life and battle with COPD was so important to our family! We must continue to increase awareness, remove associated stigma, and support research so everyone can ‘Live Long and Prosper.’”
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, noted advancements in COPD care but emphasized the need for further research: “While there is no cure for COPD, we have seen a significant amount of progress in COPD care and treatment over the last decade,” he stated. “However, we need more research into treatments to help people with COPD live longer, more active lives. Partnerships with organizations like The Nimoy Knight Foundation are critical to help advance COPD treatment and care."
The documentary "Remembering Leonard Nimoy: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD” explores Leonard Nimoy’s personal life, career as Spock in Star Trek, childhood experiences, Hollywood journey, and his struggle with COPD. It serves as a heartfelt tribute by his daughter Julie Nimoy.
