CARMEL, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April showers eventually bring May flowers… but, they also bring muddy puddles. That’s why the founders of the Muddy Puddles Project have declared April 1st “National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day” in conjunction with the premiere of Ken Burns’ documentary series, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies. The series, hosted by PBS, featured the Muddy Puddles Project in one of its promotional “Cancer Stories” leading up to the upcoming release on March 30th.
The Muddy Puddles Project is a celebration of kids being kids in honor of those that can’t, and there is a very special story behind it. Ty Louis Campbell, also known as SuperTy, often talked about jumping in muddy puddles when his cancer was cured, but he never got the chance. Five-year-old Ty lost his battle to brain cancer in October 2012 after fighting more than two years. In celebration of Ty’s life, his parents, Dr. Louis and Cindy Campbell, launched The Muddy Puddles Project with the goal of inspiring parents to let their kids have more fun in honor of children, like Ty, who spend their childhood unable to embrace the simple joys of being a kid.
“Our son captured the hearts of millions of people, and since he passed away, his supporters have posted thousands of photographs chronicling times when they have stepped back to let their kids enjoy messy, carefree fun in Ty’s honor. It’s thanks to Ty and everyone who has fallen in love with my astounding little boy that this project has come to fruition,” said Cindy Campbell.
The Muddy Puddles Project encourages parents everywhere to photograph their kids jumping in puddles, getting messy with finger paints, playing with glitter, anything and everything they can think of as long as it is fun and messy, and post these images to The Muddy Puddles Project website. Any optional donations made at the time benefit The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation, also founded by the Campbell’s to raise funds and awareness that will directly support pediatric cancer research.
“Ty never stopped striving to beat cancer, and he never gave in when treatments destroyed his quality of life,” reflected Louis Campbell. “When Ty lost the ability to walk, he would scoot. When he could no longer play with his toys, he thumbed through toy catalogs. When he could no longer eat solid food, he found joy in licking blue lollipops. We hope his indomitable spirit will inspire you to let your kids jump in muddy puddles. If not every day, at least on National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day on April 1st.”
3rd Annual Muddy Puddles “Mess Fest” Planned for August
Save the date. The third annual Muddy Puddles “Mess Fest,” a celebration of all things messy, is scheduled for August 8, 2015 at Kiwi Country Day Camp, Mahopac, NY. The event is expected to exceed 3,000 in attendance and will include a giant mud pit, whipped cream pie-tosses, food fights and splatter paint, among many other kid-friendly activities. Click for photos from last year.
About The Ty Louis Campbell Foundation
Founded in September 2012, The Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds innovative research specifically geared toward the treatment of the deadliest childhood cancers (including brain and spinal cord tumors). The organization seeks less toxic, more effective treatments that are specifically designed for children fighting cancer. Their ultimate mission is to help fund the intelligence and technology that will uncover new ways to more effectively treat children with cancer. For more information about the foundation, visit www.thetlcfoundation.org.
