The creator of the long-running and beloved cartoon “Spongebob Squarepants,” Stephen Hillenburg, has announced through a public statement that he has been diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

“I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS.,” said Hillenburg in a statement shared with Variety. “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 honored during this time.”

“Spongebob” is currently in its 10th season and has already been approved for an 11th.

Close

ALS, a neurodegenerative disease, is a terminal illness and affects nerves in the spinal cord and brain. ALS gained a fair amount of attention in the summer of 2014 with the social media phenomenon, the Ice Bucket Challenge. The movement encouraged people to donate money to the ALS Association or other charities, especially those seeking a cure for ALS. This was, of course, after people created an online video in which they dumped ice water on themselves and then nominated friends to do the same.

The ALS Association website says that $115 million was raised during that summer of 2014. The disease has also come to be known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as the baseball great was forced to retire because of the disease in 1939. Gehrig became an inspiration in his fight against ALS, even delivering an infamous speech in which he exclaimed that he was “the luckiest man on Earth.”

Hillenburg’s words suggest he is ready to fight just as hard against the terrible disease.

[lz_third_party align=center width=630 includes=https://youtu.be/nNLKPaThYkE]

“Steve Hillenburg is a brilliant creator who brings joy to millions of fans,” read a statement from Nickelodeon, the channel that airs “Spongebob.” “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.”

[lz_third_party align=center width=630 includes=https://youtu.be/QRPep55zMCE]

Hillenburg is a former marine biology teacher. His “Spongebob” show has aired since 1999. The show is currently airing its 10th season and has already been approved for an 11th. The franchise has reportedly earned billions through merchandising and inspired two feature films, the first of which Hillenburg himself directed.

It’s admirable to see Hillenburg insist on continuing to work in the face of such a horrible disease. “Spongebob” is a franchise that has brought joy to many families and children; it’s inspiring to see the man strive to continue to push forward with his incredible creation.