TERMINATED FROM JOB BECAUSE I HAD CANCER -
DID THEY FIRE CHRISTINE APPLEGATE FOR CANCER? ITS KICKIN’ SOMEONE WHEN THEY ARE REALLY, REALLY DOWN

My name is Sharon AND I worked at a company for 9 years (Custom Direct Inc, LLC or CDI, 1802 Fashion Court, Joppa, MD 21085).
I have ALL SUBSTANTIAL PAPERWORK FROM THE COMPANY, DR’S, AND MYSELF.
My work ethic and attendance was excellent. My husband also works there and has been there since the inception of the company in 1991. At that time he was one of the first 12 people to help the company get started. At the present time the company has over 400 employees within Maryland and Arkansas (thanks to those original 12 people)
I started working there in 1998 in Data Entry ultimately advancing myself as a Data Entry Lead, responsible for overseeing approximately 30 other employees. (My son worked there for 5 years as a press operator, so we felt it as a “Family Oriented Company” WRONG).
I stepped down from my lead position in sometime in the early part of 2006. I was definitely not feeling well, should I say, just not myself. I thought maybe it was the thirty (30) woman that I was responsible.
Starting in Sept 2006, I kept dozing off at work. (Not a good thing.) I would break down and get very emotional at work, for absolutely no reason at all. But these people know me. They has known me for years. My Supervisor has known me well before I started at CDI. I am a very, very fast paced, energetic, detail oriented, easygoing, multitasking, person. I am the happy person that is the optomist in the office. I am a woman who is not very emotional. I don’t think that I had cried in well over 10 years.
December 2006, 2 weeks before Xmas, I was told to go home and not come back unless I could find reason. I would sleep at night and still I would doze off. It was very strange. I would just be sitting at my desk, typing, headphones on, and the next thing I knew, I was wondering “What happened to those 15 seconds.” I had been warned 1st week of Dec 2006 & told my manager that I was looking into it with my Dr. I knew something was wrong, however, I did not know what. I just knew that I was not myself. I

I was a 45 year old woman, who had been with the company many years. I was NOT staying out all night, partying, and just tired from too much fun. I had not gone out in months and these people have known me for many, many years.

I continued to go the Drs. and have tests taken. I could not return to work until a diagnosis was made. I received FMLA papers and the FMLA papers were filled out and returned to work. The company was not satisfied. (I have every ridiculous letter) The FMLA papers continued to go back and forth between my Drs. and my company. It was just ridiculous.
Approximately a month later, February 7, 2007, my GYN called me and told me to immediately see an Oncologist. After ultrasounds, blood tests, PET and CAT scans, I was told that I had a large mass on my Left Ovary. I needed surgery immediately to remove the mass and perform a biopsy. On February 9, 2007, I saw my first Oncologist. I immediately contacted Human Resources on Friday, February 9, 2007, at CDI and told them his prognosis.
I saw another Oncologist, Dr. Neil Rosenshein, the following week and was told the same thing. The days that followed consisted of research, Oncology appointments, and many hours or reflection.
I was operated on Tuesday, February 20, 2007. I had a total hysterectomy. That same day, February 20, 2007, after I woke up, I was told that I had Stage 3, Ovarian Cancer. My husband immediately called work and told Human Resources and his boss, who is a VP with the company. They were told as soon as I found out.
On Feb. 27th, (the day after I got home) I received an overnight letter stating that my FMLA was not approved and as of March 1st I would be terminated. They said that there was “not sufficient assurance that you can perform your duties.” (Remember, I had Major Surgery on Feb 20th.) It also stated that “they carefully reviewed the most recent information from my physician dated February 16, 2007, and he was still unable to assure us that with treatment of your medical condition you will not unpredictably fall asleep on the job.” Although, I must say that the termination letter DID thank me for my years of dedicated service and I would be considered for re-hire.
Well, I have called, applied on line, talked to key people and still have not been rehired and cannot seem to get a straight answer from them. I think its the guilt they are feeling for firing a Cancer patient at one of the worst times of their life. Not only do I have my illness to worry about and fight, but now I had no job to return to.
There have been several other employees at my company that had cancer, took FMLA leave, returned to work after their treatment with their job, their salary, and their seniority. The company has yet to tell me why I was not given the same consideration.
After months of chemotheraphy, I have been told that I am Cancer Free. But now, I do not have a job to return and must start all over at another company. Not to mention, my financial situation is bleek without a salary and the many the co-pays from the surgery, treatments, and tests.
I have all documented paper work from CDI and my physicians. I also have the termination letter stating that I was a good employee and thanked me for my many years of dedicated service. My letter also stated “We will continue to consider you eligible for rehire for future opportunities.” Since the middle of August 2007, I have been trying to return to a job, any job at CDI with my seniority and salary reinstated. I have heard nothing from them after several attempts on my part. Why was I let go?
My Ovarian Cancer has recurred its ugly head again, in July 2008, almost one year to the date of my last chemo treatment. I have again, been through major surgery and I am again beginning to receive chemotheraphy.

This company (CDI) has been given many awards, such as “Harford County Employer of Choice”, “The Preferred Place to Work”, “Silver Star from the BBB”, and many more.

I just can’t seem to get closure on this matter. Maybe this would be a story that interests you in this “Stand Up for Cancer”.
I would love to find out why they terminated an employee of many years who was extremely loyal. What kind of place does this?
I thank you in advance for listening and I await a response.
THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE COMPANIES TERMINATING EMPLOYEES FOR GETTING SICK DISEASES SUCH AS CANCER.

I think it’s a GREAT thing that Patrick Swayze and everyone else included is doing,. many people will see this and want to help, it’s nice to know that we have so many wonderful people out there willing to notice others problems and do anything in their power to support their needs. Thank you everyone, God bless you all.