Single Mom-Of-Two Selflessly Saves Boss's Life, Claims She Fired Her 1 Month Later
When a woman learned that her boss needed a kidney, she didn't hesitate to help. However, her noble gesture led to unexpected consequences that left the woman speechless.
Angels are walking among us, and often they come in the form of a friend, family member, or even a work colleague. One kind-hearted employee gave her boss a priceless gift, and she was happy to help in her time of need.
While she didn't expect special treatment for her selfless actions, the employee was shocked by the boss's treatment after the surgery. Read the woman's unbelievable story and find out how the boss repaid her.
An emotional Debbie Stevens | Source: youtube.com/ABC News
THE BOSS NEEDED A KIDNEY TO SURVIVE
Debbie Stevens works hard to support her family, and the 47-year-old single mother always treats people with kindness and respect. In 2012, she showed her empathetic side when she decided to help her boss.
Stevens learned that her 61-year-old boss, Jackie Brucia, was struggling with a health condition. Brucia needed a kidney transplant, or else her survival chances were slim.
A teary-eyed Debbie Stevens | Source: youtube.com/CBS
THE SINGLE MOM DIDN'T WANT HER BOSS TO DIE
The Long Island mom had been employed as a clerical worker for the billion-dollar Atlantic Automotive Group since 2009 and left the company a year later to relocate to Florida.
However, when she returned to her former branch, Stevens met with Brucia and was moved by her story. She offered to help the woman, and Brucia allegedly responded:
"You never know, I may have to take you up on that offer one day."
In 2011, Brucia told Stevens that her donor was denied, so she asked the employee about her prior offer and willingness to help. Stevens quickly stepped up, hoping she could save her boss's life. She said: "I didn't want her to die."
Debbie Stevens | Source: youtube.com/CBS
THE DONOR EXPERIENCED PAIN AFTER THE SURGERY
While Stevens wasn't a perfect match for Brucia, doctors allowed her to donate her kidney to someone else in the transplant group. In return, Brucia would move up on the waiting list and receive a kidney from a suitable match.
Stevens shared: "My kidney went to St. Louis, Missouri, and [Brucia's] came from San Francisco." After the surgery, the mom-of-two faced immense pain, digestive issues, and general discomfort — despite this, she felt pressured to return to work.
Debbie Stevens and her lawyers | Source: youtube.com/ABC News
THE BOSS NEVER SAID THANK YOU IN PERSON
Stevens eventually returned to work, and when she called in sick three days after she returned, she received an unexpected phone call. Brucia contacted her, not to say thank you but to criticize and shout at her.
The employee revealed that her boss only showed gratitude for the kidney via a brief email, where she stated, "Thanks more than I can ever say." However, there were no face-to-face visits.
An emotional Debbie Stevens | Source: youtube.com/CBS
HER PAIN WAS A "PERSONAL PROBLEM"
Stevens was shocked by the treatment she received, and she sought legal action against Brucia for the pain and suffering she experienced.
Brucia purportedly told her employee that any discomfort she faced was a "personal problem" and not the company's concern. Stevens recalled:
"I was told not to get up from my desk, not to talk to people. It became very difficult to just do my job."
Debbie Stevens and her lawyer | Source: youtube.com/ABC News
SHE FELT BETRAYED BY HER BOSS
According to Stevens, she was demoted and sent to another branch 50 miles away before being fired. She was also asked to leave the company due to bad performance. However, Stevens believed there was more to the story.
She considered the possibility that her boss had used her from the start. The employee stated she was "groomed" to be a "backup plan" for Brucia, and the realization left her feeling ashamed and sickened.
While she doesn't regret donating her kidney, Stevens wouldn't do it again. The disgruntled employee expressed:
"I feel very betrayed. This has been a very hurtful and horrible experience for me. She just took this gift and put it on the ground and kicked it."
Debbie Stevens | Source: youtube.com/ABC News
THE BOSS RUINED HER LIFE
Stevens's former employer denied the claims and stated that they treated Stevens fairly and honorably. One of their legal representatives, Robert Milman, added: "We expect to have this resolved favorably in the legal system."
Brucia owed her life to the selfless mother-of-two, but instead of showing appreciation or gratitude, she reportedly ruined her employee's life.
Losing her job left Stevens in a vulnerable position in addition to her new health issues and expenses. Hopefully, justice will be served to whichever party acted wrongfully.
Questions to Ponder:
- Was the employee justified in seeking legal action?
Brucia's alleged actions have left many people in disbelief. Stevens, a single mother, incurred medical expenses as a direct result of the kidney donation, and thus she sought a legal remedy to alleviate her financial woes.
- Do you think the boss acted reasonably when she fired the employee?
The reason for Stevens's dismissal was linked to her alleged lousy performance. If there is proof of this, the boss is entitled to deal with the employee as she sees fit. However, if there was no evidence of Stevens's underperformance, the dismissal could be questioned.
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