NEW YORK, N.Y., Aug. 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beloved children's author and illustrator Sandra Boynton has brought the viral Ice Bucket Challenge to the cartoon world, with her animation of a hippopotamus that gets doused to support Project A.L.S.—a New York based nonprofit that funds top research toward a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Boynton's hippo then issues the challenge to other cartoon characters, calling out superstars Homer Simpson, Mike Doonesbury, and Snoopy to take the challenge.
Boynton, a longtime supporter of Project A.L.S., said, "I have a very personal connection to Lou Gehrig's disease: my fabulous sister Judy had it, and died ten years ago. During her illness, I was fortunate to get to know the tireless and brilliant Estess sisters and the extraordinary work of their Project A.L.S."
The animation, which Ms. Boynton created in honor of her sister and Project A.L.S. research, garnered a mention in USA Today—and an animated response from Homer Simpson.
"We hope Labor Day beach-goers take a cue from the cutest guy on the beach…and get involved. Thank you for your advocacy and artistry, Sandra Boynton," said Meredith Estess, President of Project A.L.S.
Project A.L.S.™ is a non-profit 501C3 devoted to understanding, treating, and ultimately curing ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Founded in 1998 by Jenifer Estess, her family and friends, Project A.L.S. has raised more than $67 million and become the new paradigm for brain disease research. ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that, combined with the closely related Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, is a 21st century epidemic. In five years 1 in 25 Americans will be affected with a neurodegenerative disease.