Leonard Nimoy’s family to raise funds for COPD Foundation; late actor campaigned vs. smoking

The passing away of Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek's Mr. Spock, has prompted his family to raise funds for helping people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – the condition he had been suffering from.

Nimoy's grandchild Dani said he will put up special shirts on the ShopLLAP.com "where all of the proceeds will go to the COPD Foundation."

"Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP," Dani said.

LLAP refers to "Live long and prosper," the greeting Nimoy's Vulcan character has become famous for.

The COPD Foundation's mission is to prevent and cure COPD, an umbrella term describing progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis.

Nimoy himself had campaigned against smoking so people could avoid getting COPD.

CBCNews on Saturday (PHL time) compiled several tweets by Nimoy on the subject.

In a tweet on Jan. 30, 2014, he said he quit smoking in 1984 but it was "not soon enough" because he already had COPD.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

"Breaking the smoking habit is tough. Worth the struggle. Save the lungs. Living with COPD is no joke. LLAP," he said.

Breaking the smoking habit is tough. Worth the struggle. Save the lungs. Living with COPD is no joke. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) April 26, 2014

However, he also said that for those who quit after being diagnosed with lung damage, it could be too late.

Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now. LLAP.

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

Nimoy even tweeted he sneaked in an "I quit smoking" button in Star Trek IV in 1986.

Did you notice I snuck in an "I quit smoking" button in Star Trek IV?

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) October 18, 2014

— Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News