A Tennessee hospice care nurse was fired from her job after she was diagnosed and began treatment for breast cancer.
Chrissy Ballard of Nolensville worked for Caris Healthcare, a hospice care company headquartered in Knoxville but with offices in Middle Tennessee.
According to her husband, Matt Ballard, Chrissy had a passion for helping her patients through the end of their lives. When she was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, she wanted to keep her job and eventually return once she overcame the disease.
However, the Ballards were surprised when Chrissy's boss called in June and told them Chrissy would be let go. The reason for her termination is listed as a health reason, though a termination letter shows she left in good standing and was eligible for rehire.
Chrissy was shocked. Matt said she took the loss of her job hard, but what really hurt were the loss of her benefits. Matt said he was told it was a business decision. Chrissy was let go one month before her one-year anniversary with the company.
Originally, the Ballards weren't sure whether or not what Caris Healthcare did was legal.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now investigating the company and the firing.
WTVF is awaiting comment from Caris Healthcare about this case.
This story originally appeared on WTVF and was written by Kyle Horan.
