Kris Schneggenburger (AKA Ms. Kris) was a special education teacher for over 20 years in Leon County. She was well known around the district for her work and compassion for children with autism as well as her love for animals. Especially, dogs!
In July of 2020, Kris was admitted to the hospital for extreme abdominal pain. Through exploratory surgery they found Meckel’s Diverticulum, a congenital defect of the intestines, and a large mass. After removal of a large section of her small intestine, Kris was diagnosed with Stage 3 Small Bowel Cancer. Within just days of a painful surgery that takes months to heal, she began chemo. For 7 months, she endured constant, daily pain but fought with everything she had. On January 18th, Kris was called home and although her pain has finally ended our hearts were left broken.
If you knew Kris, then you know she was one of the most humble people you will ever come across. She once told me “I wish I was a fighter like you.” Although she was serious I couldn’t hold in my laughter. I said “You do realize you teach the youngest population, all subjects, in a class ranging of all different types of disabilities and you have done it for more than 20 years right?! You are the 1%.” She never truly grasped the amount of lives she changed and the importance of the work she did. She never thought of herself in that way. She didn’t have time to. Like a true empath, she was too busy thinking of others. That is what made her so special. A couple of years after she told me that she would again prove that she is more than just a fighter.
In honor of Ms. Kris and her legacy of strength, love, and kindness a statue of a life sized dog will be placed on the Pre-K playground. This is a place where she spent much of her time and where children now and for many years to come will be able to climb on and play with just as they did her. She touched and enriched so many families lives so it only seems fitting that we all are given the opportunity to have a hand in honoring her.
100% of donations are tax deductible and will go towards Ms. Kris’ memorial. We will keep you updated as we go along as well as information on the unveiling ceremony.
Thank you for your help in making sure her legacy carries on. ❤️