By Emeka Blast 
She Donated Her Kidney to Save Her Boss—Then Got Fired
A story from 2012 has resurfaced, reigniting public outrage over the case of Debbie Stevens, a New York woman who was fired from her job at Atlantic Automotive Group after donating a kidney to help her boss, Jacqueline Brucia, secure a transplant. Stevens, a 47-year-old divorced mother of two at the time, filed a discrimination complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights, alleging that Brucia mistreated and fired her after she “got what she wanted.” The case, settled confidentially in 2014, continues to spark debate about workplace ethics and the treatment of employees who make extraordinary sacrifices.
Stevens began working for Brucia, a controller at the billion-dollar Long Island car dealership, in June 2009. After briefly relocating to Florida in 2010, Stevens returned to New York and visited her former workplace, where Brucia shared her need for a kidney transplant. Stevens offered to donate, saying, “I didn’t want her to die,” according to court documents. Brucia initially declined but noted, “You never know, I may take you up on that one day.” When Stevens returned to work at Atlantic Automotive in January 2011, Brucia asked if she was serious about the offer. Although Stevens was not a direct match, she donated her kidney to a stranger in St. Louis on August 10, 2011, as part of a paired exchange that enabled Brucia to receive a better-matched kidney from a San Francisco donor.
Stevens faced complications post-surgery, including leg nerve damage, abdominal pain, and digestive issues requiring frequent bathroom breaks. She returned to work on September 6, 2011, allegedly under pressure from Brucia, who was still recovering. Stevens claimed Brucia berated her for taking sick leave, denied accommodations for her medical needs, demoted her, and transferred her to a dealership 50 miles away. After Stevens’ attorney sent a letter to the company, she was fired in April 2012. “It’s almost like she hired me just to get my kidney,” Stevens told ABC News, later demanding, “If you hate me so much, give me my kidney back!”
The New York State Division of Human Rights found “probable cause” of a violation under the American Disabilities Act, and Stevens received approval to sue from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her lawyer, Lenard Leeds, sought $15 million in damages, alleging Brucia “groomed” Stevens as a backup donor. Atlantic Automotive called the claims “groundless,” while Brucia told 1010 WINS, “I will always be grateful to her. She did a wonderful thing for me.” The case settled in September 2014, with terms undisclosed.
The story, recently trending on X, has fueled discussions about workplace exploitation. Posts like @Fact’s claim that Stevens was fired for “taking too long to recover” have amplified outrage, though the exact reason for her termination was never legally confirmed due to the settlement. @PRASHANTDAA noted the case’s significance, while @Daveninjah called it a “shocking betrayal.” Critics argue the incident highlights the risks of going “above and beyond” for employers, with @Reform_West’s viral video post urging workers to prioritize personal boundaries.
The case remains a cautionary tale, raising questions about employer accountability and the need for stronger protections for employees with post-surgical disabilities. As Stevens’ story continues to resonate, it underscores the complex interplay of altruism, workplace dynamics, and legal rights.
