Through comedy, TV, and film, Robin Williams became a beloved source of entertainment
and artistic expression. Much was lost with his tragic death in 2014. What the world didn’t
know was the battle Robin had endured in the two years preceding his death. Robin and his
wife, Susan Schneider Williams were on a quest to understand the mystifying changes he was
experiencing. The unknown enemy was named in the coroner’s report months after his death:
dementia with Lewy bodies.
Susan began sharing their story and raising awareness about Lewy body dementia,
spearheading two films: Robin’s Wish, a documentary about Robin’s final days with Lewy
body dementia, and SPARK: Robin Williams and His Battle with Lewy Body Dementia, a
45-minute educational adaptation of Robin’s Wish, funded by LBDA and partner, ACADIA
Pharmaceuticals Inc. Both films focus on their journey and provide raw insight into their agony
of uncertainty. Susan sets the record straight about Robin’s death and reflects on what could
have been different with an early diagnosis.
Since its debut, SPARK continues to be a sought-after resource, nationally and internationally, to increase understanding of LBD, the importance of early detection, diagnosis and quality care management for better outcomes for those living with Lewy. The documentary provides a deeper dive into the disease including its biology, clinical symptoms, and its impact on both the person with LBD and the primary care partner.
LBDA is honored to make SPARK available to academic medical institutions and community organizations as a resource for educational events for healthcare professionals and the public. For more information on hosting a screening of SPARK, please fill out the contact form below.
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For more information on hosting a screening of SPARK, please fill out the contact form below.