Took Leave to Care for Cancer-Stricken Daughter; Fired from Job, Mother Approaches Court Against Bank

Bank Fires Employee After Taking Leave to Care for Cancer-Stricken Daughter; Mother Approaches Court

Terry S. Step, a woman who worked for over 30 years at Huntington Bank in Michigan, was fired after taking leave to care for her cancer-stricken daughter. Terry, a devoted mother, took Family and Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA) to be with her daughter Samantha, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Terry had used her allotted paid leave and vacation time before taking a 12-week FMLA leave to care for Samantha. She also used four additional FMLA days to be with her daughter. Despite her dedication, Terry was dismissed from her position, leading her to approach the court against the institution.

Terry’s co-worker at Huntington Bank explained that Samantha had been guilt-ridden, believing she was the reason her mother lost her job, which caused her great pain. Unfortunately, just ten days after Terry lost her job, her 31-year-old daughter Samantha passed away.

Samantha was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023, and her condition gradually worsened. In response, Terry took the available leave to be with her daughter during her treatment. She used the federal law allowing employees to take medical family leave to ensure she could stay by her daughter’s side. However, losing her job and later losing her daughter deeply affected Terry. Devastated, Terry decided to take legal action against the bank for their harsh treatment.