Leonard Nimoy Tribute: Julie Nimoy Wants New Documentary To Draw Attention To Disease That Killed ‘Star Trek’ Icon

The daughter of Leonard Nimoy is planning a tribute to the late Star Trek star with a documentary that also serves a higher purpose.

This week Julie Nimoy spoke about her plans to put together a documentary on the lung ailment known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Leonard Nimoy was diagnosed with the disease in early 2014, and his daughter said he could have benefited from new treatments for the disease.

“I lost my dad, Leonard Nimoy, from complications arising from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also referred to as chronic bronchitis and emphysema,” said Julie Nimoy. “Each year, millions of people throughout the country, like my father, are diagnosed with this debilitating and potentially fatal illness. In fact, COPD is one of the most prevalent lung diseases diagnosed today, and the third most common cause of death in the United States.”

COPD is characterized by shortness of breath, an increase in respiratory infections, and a general sense of fatigue. The top cause is cigarette smoking, but it is also prevalent in those exposed to gas or fumes or who live in areas with high air pollution.

Leonard Nimoy died on February 27 from complications of COPD.

“COPD is the third most common cause of death in the United States today,” said Dr. Richard Casaburi, a medical advisor on the film. “Despite this, 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 paying tribute to Leonard Nimoy will be titled COPD: The Logical Way to Improve Lung Function and Breathe Better.

Julie Nimoy and the film’s producers said the hope the death of the Star Trek icon will help bring more attention to the disease.

“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, said Executive Producer Knight. “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.”

The tribute to Leonard Nimoy will be released by Health Point Productions in the winter of 2015.

[Image via Twitter/Nerdist.com]