As many of you may or may not know, my Uncle Harry was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer that started in the bowel last summer. He was told it was treatable but there is no cure for his cancer. Receiving that news was the hardest pill for me to swallow, however, his attitude was so inspirational and full of brightness. He wasn’t going to let his diagnosis stop him from the life he knew. He continued to work, until having to take 6 months medical leave and was there for others even during his time of need. But that is just who he is; a selfless individual that puts others first. When I was 15 years old, he took me in and raised me, as if I was his own. He never hesitated to make sacrifices and changes to the busy lifestyle he once lived in order to provide an environment and home for me, while living almost 2,000 miles away from the only home and life I knew. While doing so, my uncle still maintained his career as a top producing salesman, receiving many letters of commendation along the years.
His determination to return to work after his medical leave was admirable. Nonetheless, after 22 successful years on the sales floor at Neiman Marcus, my uncle has been shown the door. Sure times are tough all over, and retail has been particularly affected, but it’s not as if he hasn’t made money for them. They decided to pull the plug, citing his poor performance, while he was on medical leave receiving biweekly chemotherapy for metastatic liver cancer. They are hiding behind this technicality to shaft the worker anyway they can. How can you terminate an employee, especially after 22 years of dedicated service, for performance they weren’t able to fulfill due to being out on leave? It is unjust.
My uncle's future is bleak. On the medical front, there is no cure, but the cancer can be managed by continuous intensive treatment. The battle will be figuring out how to afford it all. COBRA payments for health insurance will be unaffordable, while trying to stay afloat other financial responsibilities to live. Even without medical issues, at 59 years old, he falls into that age bracket where prospective employers are reluctant to take a change on someone like him.
I am hoping to raise money so my Uncle Harry is able to continue his fight against cancer and help ease some of his financial stress. Please, share this with anyone you know that has compassion and believes in justice.
Any help is greatly appreciated and my family and I thank you in advance for your thoughts, well wishes and contributions