manipulate = to control or influence somebody/something

harass = to repeatedly annoy or trouble someone

demote = opposite of promote

Debbie Stevens, 47, claims that she was manipulated by her boss, Jackie Brucia. “It was almost like she hired me just to get my kidney.“

The surgery left Stevens with serious pain, leg discomfort, and digestive problems. She felt pressured to return to work before she was ready, even while her boss was still recovering at home.

According to Stevens, she was harassed, demoted, transferred to a location 50 miles from her home, and eventually fired.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Stevens said. “I thought I would be at that job until I retired.”

Brucia said she has nothing bad to say about Stevens. “She did a wonderful thing for me,” she said. “I wish her the best.”

1. What did Stevens donate?
2. Name 3 complications of the surgery.
3. Name 3 things that happened at her job after the surgery.

1. What advice would you give to Debbie Stevens?
2. Do you think Stevens was treated unfairly?
3. What would you do if your boss needed a kidney?
4. Do you have a hard time saying “no”?