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Why are you doing this project? This project came to me by way of my dad, Dr. Joseph Jankovic. He's the neurologist that diagnosed Rich back in 1994 and has been crucial in Rich's decision to go public about his disease. When I was young I would see my dad's patient videos and developed an interest in Parkinson's Disease at a young age. However, I followed my passion for film and studied documentary filmmaking at The University of Colorado at Boulder. Growing up in Houston, TX, NASA Astronauts were always considered the best of the best. So when I heard about Rich's story I knew I had to go after it. I contacted Rich and went to dinner with him and his wife, Nancy. That night I told Rich what I wanted to do, he took a look at Nancy, looked back at me, and said, "You're the man for the job." And we were off and running. The film also has an official website: TheAstronautsSecret.com | ||||||||
| Robert Pearlman | There are just three days left to fund The Astronaut's Secret. The project is just under 40% funded but per Kickstarter rules, they don't receive any of the pledges unless full funding is reached. Pledges of $25 are awarded with (at least) astronaut Rich Clifford's autographed photo. Clifford's story was recounted recently in The Telegraph. Only now, 17 years after diagnosis, is he going public, revealing how NASA helped him to keep the news confidential, encouraged him to keep reaching for the stars despite the disease's onset and even assigned him to a gruelling spacewalk 160 miles above the planet while travelling at 17,500mph. | |||||||
| Robert Pearlman | Update from Zach Jankovic, director of "The Astronaut's Secret": As you know, unfortunately our fundraising campaign on Kickstarter did not reach its goal. So I've decided to launch a new effort on TheAstronautsSecret.com. It will allow people to contribute to the project in return for the same rewards. | |||||||
| p51 | It’s funny how many astronaut biographies I’ve read that mention other medical secrets they kept, usually between their NASA doctors and the agency. Gene Cernan had a serious knee problem and a prostate issue before going up on Apollo 17. Most pilots hate flight surgeons because of the old adage that you never leave on better off than you were before you went in; the most you can hope for is to be marked, "OK for flight status" which you probably were already there before you went in. It seems like NASA flight surgeons were more likely handle issues between them and the crew members without getting the agency involved. This was a good idea of course because otherwise the astronauts wouldn't go to them with minor problems. | |||||||
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