Los Angeles March 15 (IANS) Stephen Hillenburg creator of the long-running hit Nickelodeon series SpongeBob SquarePants has revealed that he has been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease ALS.
The 55-year-old animator shared a statement with variety.com announcing the diagnosis. However he will continue working on the series which has been on the air since 1999.
I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS the statement read.
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. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honoured during this time he added.
A source close to Hillenburg said he received the diagnosis recently and is in the early stages of the disease. ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare terminal illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
Hillenburg is a former marine biology teacher who channelled his love for the ocean into animation.
SpongeBob SquarePants began as a Saturday morning cartoon in 1999 before transitioning to prime time where it became a multi billion-dollar franchise popular among kids and adult viewers as well.
Steve Hillenburg is a brilliant creator who brings joy to millions of fans read a statement issued by Nickelodeon.
It added: Our thoughts and support are with Steve and his family during this difficult time. Out of respect for their wishes for privacy we will have no further comment.
--IANS
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SpongeBob SquarePants creator diagnosed with ALS
