Dawnmarie Souza, a 47-year-old mother from New York, made what many would consider the ultimate sacrifice: she donated her kidney to help save her boss’s life!
But instead of gratitude and job security, she found herself out of work shortly after the surgery.
A Life-Saving Gesture Turns Into Job Loss
Souza, a former employee at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey, worked in the company’s ambulance dispatch unit. When she learned that her supervisor, Jackie Brucia, was suffering from kidney failure and needed a transplant, Souza didn’t hesitate. She offered to be tested, and ultimately, the results showed she was a match.
The transplant surgery took place in August 2011, and by all accounts, it was a success. Brucia received the kidney she desperately needed, and Souza returned to work weeks later. But soon after returning, she claimed she began facing hostile treatment at work, including criticism for taking time off and being accused of not doing her job properly.
Allegations of Retaliation
According to Souza, things quickly took a turn for the worse. Despite giving a part of herself, literally, to her boss, she was met with coldness and suspicion rather than compassion. In February 2012, less than a year after the transplant, Souza was fired.
She has since filed a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, claiming she was subjected to harassment and eventually terminated in retaliation for her decision to donate the kidney.
In the complaint, Souza described the emotional toll of being fired after making such a selfless choice. “I feel betrayed,” she said. “I did something good, something life-saving, and I was punished for it.”
Company Denies Wrongdoing
Atlantic Health System has publicly denied Souza’s claims, stating that her dismissal had nothing to do with the kidney donation. A spokesperson for the company emphasized that they do not comment on individual personnel matters but insisted the termination was handled appropriately and lawfully.
Still, the timing and circumstances surrounding Souza’s firing have raised eyebrows and sparked public outrage. Many question how someone could be let go so soon after performing such an extraordinary act of kindness.
A Larger Conversation on Workplace Ethics
Souza’s case has prompted conversations about workplace ethics, employee rights, and how companies treat workers who go above and beyond. While it’s rare for someone to donate an organ to a colleague, this story highlights the risks employees may face when personal and professional lives become deeply intertwined.
It also underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers and those who file retaliation claims, particularly in cases involving medical recovery or time off under acts like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
The Fight Isn’t Over
As Souza continues her legal battle, she hopes to bring awareness to what she describes as an unjust end to a life-changing decision. “I gave to save a life,” she said. “I never expected that mine would be turned upside down because of it.”
Whether the courts find in her favor or not, Souza’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how complicated and sometimes unfair the workplace can become, even when intentions are pure.