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All About LUKI & the Lights

Sascha and Anjo had to explain ALS/MND to their young kids when dad (age 35) was diagnosed with a form of ALS/MND - in a way that was accessible, fun and thoughtful. So, they created LUKi!

LUKi is a robot full of life and lights! He has friends and love to play soccer, until one day he gets ALS/MND. His friends help care for him and support him every step of the way.

LUKi & the Lights is a silent film - using no language, only sound, to tell the story of LUKi and ALS/MND. That way, children and families around the world can easily watch it!

Using the latest in visual technology, the film serves as a platform for children and families to discuss ALS/MND and share with others.

So many people helped create LUKi and the Lights - including Big Grin, Dr. Kavanaugh, and Global Neuro YCare. They all made LUKi so everyone can share his story!!

We are especially grateful for the partnership with the ALS Association, whose generous financial support made finalizing the film possible!

LUKI & the Lights Movie Trailer

Shine a light on ALS/MND - Be a light for LUKi!

Your support allows us to translate LUKi materials, and create more educational programs, bringing LUKi to children around the world

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A group of people standing next to each other.
A book cover with three robots on it.

LUKI film and educational materials

LUKI animated short film 
Watch the film with your family or ALS/MND organization

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Coloring and Activity Book
Follow along with the film, or color at your own pace!

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Professional and Family Materials
Use these materials to guide the discussion of LUKi and his friends, what is ALS, and answer FAQ's.

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Meet the people who made LUKi & the Lights!

Anjo and Sascha - Creators,
LUKi and the Lights

In May 2017, Anjo’s health is excellent. He serves in the Army and exercises a lot. Despite his efforts, somehow it feels like he loses strength. When during an exercise he can’t undo the clasp of his helmet, he begins to worry……after more examinations at the ALS center, I received my verdict. PSMA, a form of ALS, life expectancy 3 to 5 years…. I was 35 years old at that time.

A man and woman smiling for the camera.

Anjo and Sascha - Creators, LUKi & the Lights

Toby Chochran, CEO,
Founder Big Grin productions

With over 15 years in the creative industry in animation, commercial, and gaming, Toby is now telling his own stories. He grew a startup company to 220+ employees. Managed and worked on productions over $500k. Secured a big pitch to work with Shaquille O’Neal, directed numerous games simultaneously to eventually become a Creative Director for an NBC Universal game pitch, which the company successfully landed.

A man with a beard and mustache smiling for the camera.

Toby Chochran, CEO, Founder Big Grin productions

Andrian Ochoa,
Producer, Writer

Adrian is an award-winning Producer, prior to joining Big Grin, Adrian worked at Pixar Animation Studios, Playstudios and Penrose Studios. His credits included Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Wall-E, Cars 2, Monsters University, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur. He’s also worked on various shorts including Cars Toons, live action shorts and Day and Night.

A man with a beard and mustache smiling for the camera.

Andrian Ochoa, Producer, Writer

Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW
President GNYC, Producer, LUKi and the Lights

Professor of social work and clinical social worker for over 20 years experience with children and youth in families with neurological disorders, Dr. Kavanaugh served as the content expert and co-producer for the film.

A woman with glasses and short hair wearing a floral shirt.

Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, LCSW President GNYC, Producer, LUKi & the Lights

Janna Brower-Schouten,
Producer

Janna met Sascha as a daycare worker for her son, and now their children are schoolmates. In daily life, Janna works as a studio manager for a small AV-company. Making sure people can do their work is what she does.

A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiling.

Janna Brower-Schouten, Producer