Highly Illogical Tribute to Leonard Nimoy to Spread the Word About COPD

    DENVER, CO, October 10, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are few television characters more recognizable and beloved than Star Trek's, Spock, played by legendary actor, Leonard Nimoy. His famous "V" Vulcan hand salute and parting blessing, "Live Long and Prosper" are an integral part of American pop culture. On February 27, 2015 the world lost a true icon when Leonard Nimoy succumbed to COPD related complications.

It is estimated that as many as 13 million people have undiagnosed COPD and are missing out on essential treatment that could be prolonging and contributing to the quality of their lives. Mr. Nimoy himself was diagnosed rather late and chose to keep his diagnosis private for a period of time while he himself tried to come to grips with it. One day Mr. Nimoy was traveling through an airport and had to get some assistance from the airlines in order to get to his gate. He was photographed wearing a portable oxygen concentrator, being transported by wheelchair down the concourse. As that photograph began circulating worldwide Mr. Nimoy decided it was time to make his diagnosis public and to use his notoriety to help spread awareness about COPD and the importance of quitting smoking. He devoted much of the last years of his life to spreading this message. Upon his passing, his family pledged to continue this mission.

To this end, his daughter Juile Nimoy, and her husband, David Knight announced that they would be making a documentary about COPD. The title of the film is, COPD:Highly Illogical: A Special Tribute to Leonard Nimoy. The title is not only a nod to Spock's use of that phrase but also refers to the fact that 39% of those diagnosed with COPD still smoke. Nimoy himself had quit smoking approximately 30 years before his diagnosis but the damage had already been done and he sought to get others to understand that it is imperative to quit immediately, and not wait until symptoms of a respiratory illness appear.

Unbeknownst to them, Mr. Nimoy had purchased that portable oxygen concentrator from a company called 1st Class Medical. "We've always enjoyed working with Mr. Nimoy and it hit close to our hearts when we heard of his passing. I know that Mr. Nimoy was very vocal on his Twitter trying to get the word out about COPD and I read that his last Tweet was, 'A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP (Life Long and Prosper).' These memories and precious moments are what we seek to give our patients through the use of portable oxygen. They can still travel, they can still attend family gatherings, and they can still be independent. Because of our shared goals and our affection for Mr. Nimoy, we knew we had to do our part to make this film happen."

After reaching out to Julie via her Twitter feed, 1st Class Medical has come on board not only a sponsor but as advisors, backed by several decades in the oxygen industry. Executive producers, Julie Nimoy and David Knight say, "Producing a documentary requires a great deal of time and dedication, most importantly, finding the right companies who share our vision and commitment. We're thrilled to announce that 1st Class Medical has joined our efforts in supporting this ground-breaking film project on COPD. With over 35 years of experience, 1st Class Medical is one of the largest portable oxygen concentrator distributors in the country. We're proud that they're joining our team to help educate and create awareness for the millions of people who have this condition."

The COPD Foundation has set up a funding page for the film. To help please click on their FUNDING PAGE There is no minimum donation and 10% if all money raised goes directly to the COPD Foundation. The movie is currently in the pre-production phase and a release date will be announced sometime in the spring of 2016.

1st Class Medical has been in the oxygen healthcare industry for more than 3 decades. They are the largest distributor of portable oxygen concentrators in the world. As a leader in the oxygen industry they are passionate about spreading awareness about COPD, Cystic Fibrosis and other respiratory illnesses. Their main focus is to provide freedom, and independence to those requiring medical oxygen.

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