On Feb. 1, Wendy Koenig and her wife of 10 years, Chris, got horribly shocking news that the food poisoning Wendy thought she had was something terribly worse. She has a diagnosis and will be starting treatment soon. As with any situation that comes out of left field, the Koenigs were not prepared for such stressful news nor the incredible expense that now comes with this healthcare process. Over the years, Chris and Wendy have often referred to their group of friends and many of Wendy's students as belonging to the "Island of Misfit Toys" because they can personally relate to the difficult challenges we all face. With Wendy's incredible love, kindness, and patience, she has always been there to help, no matter if it was a charity for dogs, cats, donkeys, pigs, soup kitchens, public radio, political campaigns, or any colleague or friend who was ever in need. Wendy and Chris now need our help.   If you can help in any way to lessen the burden of these expenses for her and Chris at this time, they need it!  Your contributions will help cover anything that must be paid for out of pocket. In addition, Wendy and Chris need help covering living expenses while Wendy is undergoing treatment. As you can imagine, a sudden diagnosis like this would throw anyone’s life into chaos.  Wendy and Chris humbly ask for your good thoughts, positive vibes, and if you can, a financial contribution. A bit about Wendy: For those of you who haven't yet met this loving soul, Dr. Wendy Koenig received her PhD in the History of Art from the Ohio State University. She is a professor and accomplished art historian who has never been in the ivory tower. She has earned tenure at Middle Tennessee State, North Central College, and currently at Long Beach City College. She served on the MTSU Holocaust Studies and Holocaust Conference Committees from 2005 to 2008 and remains an Affiliate Member. She is an art critic for <a href="https://www.artpapers.org/tag/wendy-koenig/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtPapers</a>, an independent critical voice covering contemporary art &amp; culture in the world today.   As a professor over these many years, she's taught thousands of students from general education part-timers to Fulbright scholars. Here's her bio: <a href="https://www.lbcc.edu/contact/wendy-koenig-0"><a href="https://www.lbcc.edu/contact/wendy-koenig-0" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.lbcc.edu/contact/wendy-koenig-0</a></a> Wendy is passionate about teaching and mentoring students, tirelessly advocating for first generation students, students with mental illness, students juggling work and family, LGBTQIA students, and so many others. She and Chris are also the primary caregivers for Wendy’s mother, who is going through her own health challenges.   It’s hard to find enough words for a friend and colleague who cares and gives so much, who always checks in with you and is there whenever you need something. Wendy brings people together to create discussion and thought, shining a light on art and artists and finding beauty in life.   Please send every loving prayer and healing energy you have to her. THANK YOU for your contribution of any amount.

Jonathan Jutsen

Arianna Buchinger

Anonymous

Jessica Marquez

Brenda Konrath

Carolyn Broughton

Tom Casale

BrendaLee Konrath

Leslie Reambeault

Elyce Helford

Sydney Pacha

Joanne Green

Sharon Rey Barreau

Kelly Gillespie

Hanelle Culpepper Meier

Meghan Pickett

She's helped many, now she needs help

She's helped many, now she needs help

Still $17,672 to go. Help us build momentum.