Debbie Stevens, a 47-year-old divorced mother, became news in New York after a gesture that was intended to be of solidarity to have cost her employment and health. In offering himself as a kidney donor to his boss, he thought he was saving his life, but eventually faced a scenario of harassment, forced travel and, finally, the dismissal. The origin of the case dates back to 2010, but even nowadays it can reflect on issues such as work ethics and a feeling of gratitude.
In 2010, when he worked at a car dealer in Long Island, Stevens learned that his boss, Jackie Brucia, needed an urgent transplant. Without hesitation, he made herself available to donate one of her kidneys, stressing that she did not do it for professional or financial interest, but only to prevent the superior from dying, according to the Digital Journal Spanish Noticias Work.
Surgery and the promise of life
The operation took place in August 2011. Although Stevens agency was not directly transplanted in Brucia, his donation allowed it to be called earlier to receive a compatible kidney in San Francisco. The selfless gesture seemed to have changed the direction of the boss’s life.
A few weeks later, Stevens returned to work. However, the relationship with the company has changed dramatically. Still recovering, he began to receive pressure calls to return before the recommended medical time.
An unbearable work environment
In the complaint she later filed, the worker described that, already back to the office, she was shouting, was not entitled to breaks and even needed to ask for permission to go to the bathroom. The physical sequelae of surgery aggravated the situation, with abdominal pain, digestive problems and nerve injuries.
Instead of support, the company transferred it to another dealer, 80 kilometers from its home. The distance added physical and psychological wear, leading to frequent headaches and symptoms of anxiety, the same source says.
Case in Court
Tired of the situation, Stevens advanced in March 2012 with a complaint for work harassment and retaliation. The New York State Human Rights Division has concluded, in a preliminary decision, that there was “probable cause” to consider the law of Americans with disabilities violated.
The case dragged on in court until 2014, when a confidential agreement was reached. Shortly thereafter, the worker, who had previously offered to be a kidney donor, received the dismissal letter, reinforcing the feeling of being wronged after her altruism gesture.
Sensation of betrayal
“I wanted to become a kidney donor to help my boss, but she took my heart. I feel betrayed,” Stevens confessed, adding that the experience marked her in a devastating way. The kidney he offered eventually saved the life of a Missouri man, but the recognition he expected from the company never arrived, according to the previously mentioned source.
On the side of Brucia’s family, the version is different, says the. The manager’s husband told US media that “history is not so, reality is completely different.”
Old but always current
Although this episode has occurred over a decade ago, relevant issues on work ethics, solidarity and gratitude in the workplace. Stories like Debbie Stevens help reflect on the boundaries between professional duty and human recognition, remaining current and capable of generating debate today.
Also read:
