51-year-old Carol Jumper had worked for Dr George Visnich for 12 years when she was diagnosed with life threatening cancer affecting her ovaries, liver and pancreas.
When she informed her boss of her diagnosis, the last thing she expected was to be instantly laid off.
Dr Visnich sent Carol a handwritten letter informing her that her illness meant that he had no further need of her services.
“You are currently engaged in a battle against cancer that will be demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he wrote.
"The symptoms of the diseases, the pain medications you will need, and the side effects of the chemotherapy will be significant and distracting. You will not be able to function in my office at the level required while battling for your life.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you battle this horrible disease. Thanks for your time at Visnich Oral Surgery - I hope your battle is swift, smooth and successful!"
Carol’s fiancé Dennis Smerigan is outraged at her treatment. “It was about a week later she gets this registered letter delivered at the house. I was pissed when I read that letter. No kind of man sends a letter like that.” He said.
“She had been working full-time for this man for over 12 years. He didn’t even call her; he hasn’t even called her once since she got sick.”
A legal respresentitive for Dr Visnich commented on the issue, saying his client has fired Carol for “humanitarian” reasons.
“Dr Visnich was trying to provide her with an opportunity to take some time off without having to worry about her job duties and responsibilities,” his attorney said.
“What is happening now from the standpoint of work is in her best interest. She doesn’t have to worry about going to work, she still has a source of income, and she can concentrate her efforts on getting better.”
People around the world have expressed outrage about the doctor’s actions, but Carol herself doesn’t want to bother with it.
“I spoke with Carol today, and she wants to diffuse it,” a friend said. “She doesn’t care about the doctor. She’s in a fight for her life, and she doesn’t want this blown out of proportion.”
Carol’s friends and family have launched several fundraising events in the local community to help her pay for her cancer treatment.
