Hicksville Woman Says She Was Fired After Donating Kidney To Help Boss

WEST ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Hicksville woman has filed a complaint claiming she was fired after donating her kidney to allow her boss to move up on a transplant waiting list.

Debbie Stevens has filed with the Human Rights Commission against her former employer, Atlantic Automotive Group of West Islip, which operates several car dealerships.

1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports

Stevens said her boss, Jackie Brucia, who was suffering from kidney disease, asked if she would donate her kidney.

"She called me into her office and asked if I was serious, when I said she could have one of mine, and I said of course I was," Stevens said.

Stevens was not a perfect match. Her kidney went to a man in St. Louis and cleared the way for Brucia to receive a kidney from San Francisco," CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez reported.

The divorced mother of two claimed Brucia fired her after she complained about the way the company treated her following the transplant surgery in 2011. Stevens claims she was forced to endure months of harassment from her boss.

"I spoke to Jackie a couple weeks after the surgery and she really made me feel bad I wasn't recuperating quick enough," Stevens said.

WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports

Stevens said Monday she regrets donating her kidney.

"Based on this situation, if I had this knowledge and had gone through a horrible experience with her, no, probably not," Stevens said when asked if she would donate her kidney again. "If you hate me so much, I'm so despicable to you, then give me my kidney back. "

Brucia said she would not comment on the case, but told 1010 WINS she has nothing bad to say about Stevens.

"She did a wonderful thing for me," Brucia said. "I wish her the best."

The dealership wouldn't say why Stevens was fired, but in a statement said: "It is unfortunate that one employee has used her own generous act to make up a groundless claim. Atlantic Auto treated her appropriately and acted honorably and fairly, at every turn. We expect to have this resolved favorably in the legal system if any claim is filed."

Stevens' attorney did not detail the damages being sought.

Would you donate one of your kidneys for your boss?