Robin Williams’ suicide in 2014 shook many to the core – it was stunning to think that someone who had brought so much joy to the lives of others could meet such an unhappy ending. It’s 2017 now, but nothing’s really better off now. Donald Trump is wreaking havoc in the United States, the UK is still arguing over Brexit and now Stephen Hillenburg has been diagnosed with ALS.
Hillenburg, the creator of the beloved 18-year-old animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, announced his ailment in a statement today.
“I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS,” Hillenburg said. “Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on ‘Spongebob SquarePants’ and my other passions for as long as I am able”.
“My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support,” he continued. “We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honored during this time”.
ALS doesn’t seem so menacing as an acronym, but the disease to which it refers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gherig’s disease), viciously kill off the neurons in the body that control voluntary muscles. Sadly, no cure for the disease has yet been developed or found.
Have strength, Mr. Hillenburg!
#Peace.Love.StephenHillenburg
