When Leonard Nimoy passed away from COPD earlier this year, his daughter and son-in-law wanted to do something to raise awareness of the disease. For a couple of filmmakers, nothing seemed more appropriate than a documentary centered around the experiences the famous “Mr. Spock” from Star Trek had with the condition.
They knew they would need some help, though, and they found it in the AARC. Along with the COPD Foundation, the Association worked closely with Julie Nimoy and David Knight as they developed the project, serving in an advisory capacity to help the filmmakers ensure the content would correctly reflect the condition and the people who suffer from it.
“Respiratory therapists of all generations know of Mr. Spock, but not necessarily his story,” said AARC Executive Director Tom Kallstrom, MBA, RRT, FAARC. “We are honored to serve in an advisor capacity to the family.”
The AARC’s involvement has been greatly appreciated by the Nimoy family. “We believe strongly that respiratory therapists are one of the most important health care providers in the life of a patient with COPD,” said Executive Producers Nimoy and Knight. “We’re honored that the AARC leadership has joined forces with us in our mission to create awareness and educate millions of people around the world about COPD.”
The trailer for the film — COPD: Highly Illogical – A Special Tribute to Leonard Nimoy — debuted at AARC Congress 2015 this past Saturday, but if you missed it at the meeting, you can see it here.
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