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Layoff Letter To Cancer Stricken Employee Sparks Outrage

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A letter from a Beaver County oral surgeon effectively laying off an employee with cancer is sparking social media outrage.

In the letter, Dr. George Visnich says he is laying off Carol Jumper because she has cancer.

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Photo Credit: Rose Lerini

The letter states: "You are currently engaged in a battle against cancer that will be demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will not be able to function in my office at the level required while battling for your life. Because of this, I am laying you off without pay as of August 11, 2014."

An attorney for Visnich told the Beaver County Times that he was trying to do the humanitarian thing.

Attorney Larry Kelly says Visnich layed Jumper off so she could collect unemployment benefits during her treatment, with the understanding that she could come back to work when she was feeling better.

The letter Visnich sent went on to say, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you fight this horrible disease."

Friends of Jumpers are now organizing several upcoming events to help raise money for her medical expenses.

They have created a Facebook group called "Bumper's Buddies to help raise awareness for Carol's fight.

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