Bring Larry's Wife to U.S. from Ukraine

Larry Johnson once tried out as a standup comedian -- he's that witty and funny. Instead, he became a writer, editor, teacher, poet, parent and husband -- always ready with a laugh, a kind word, a hand up. This is a man who can't pass a panhandler without leaving money behind.

And now we have a chance to show him how much he means to us. He's now staying in Issaquah, Wash., couch-surfing at his daughters' homes, getting ready to fly his Ukrainian wife, Vika, to the United States.

Larry has lived in Central Europe for the past 20 years, teaching journalism and English for the City University of Seattle/Vysoka Shola Manazmentu. He and Vika lived in Turkey for a while before moving two years ago to Ukraine.

Larry came back to the states for Christmas with his kids and grandkids, only to be sidelined with a heart issue. Vika stayed in Ukraine, in Dnipro, where she's rehabbing apartments. She stuck it out for almost a month of bombing before fleeing to Germany, where her son lives. She has some choice words for Putin.

Larry is relieved that his wife is safe, and it appears he'll be able to bring her to Washington state. The goal of this fundraiser is to pay for that flight, with enough money left over that she and Larry can rent their own place, at least until they see what happens in Ukraine, and help with his medical bills. Basically, the Johnsons have nothing at this point except their friends and family, their phones, their computers, and some clothes. No toaster, no coffee pot, no tables and chairs.

If everyone Larry has made laugh -- or lifted up, or taught something -- donates $20, we'll have $5,000 raised before you know it. Those of you who can afford to donate more, please do.

I've been friends with Larry for more than 40 years. Like me, Larry spent too many years as a journalist to have much money. Please join me in helping reunite Larry and Vika.