A popular young reporter for NewsChannel 9 has been terminated by Sinclair Broadcasting as she battles cancer.
Alex George wrote on her Twitter account on Friday, "Hi all, I want to clarify for those who asked. I want to assure you that treatment is going incredibly well. The decision was not made by me it was @WeAreSinclair. They terminated my contract."
The 22-year-old Ms. George had made an emotional announcement live in early May that she had been diagnosed at a local hospital with a malignant tumor. She vowed to "go home to Philadelphia, get treatment and kick cancer's butt and come right back here."
She said, "The people here and in this community have become ingrained in my life. Hopefully, I'll be back soon here in Chattanooga."
Ms. George reportedly got a call from Sinclair officials on Nov. 19 about the termination.
Her profile page has since been taken down from the station's website.
A week later, Mike Costa announced that he was resigning after 14 years as general manager. He gave no specific reason.
Ms. George had been selected as the most popular local reporter in a Times Free Press poll.
Senator Bob Corker was among those wishing Ms. George well. He said on Twitter, "I think I speak for many in the Chattanooga area in saying we’re with you, @alexgeorgeNC9! You and the entire @newschannelnine family will be in our thoughts in the coming days and weeks."
Click here to see Ms. George's announcement about leaving for treatment in May.
foxx_glove on December 14th, 2018 at 22:44 UTC »
If you have cancer and worry you may lose your job due to your illness/time spent in treatment/treatment side effects, call the Patient Advocate Foundation. They have caseworkers who can help guide you and can advocate on your behalf.
https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/maintaining-employment/
imcrowning on December 14th, 2018 at 20:10 UTC »
Yep. This exact thing happened at a place I worked. A guy was diagnosed with cancer. He would have chemo in the mornings and just sit in his office with his head between his legs. He was in IT so there were days where he didn't have to do too much physical work and others would cover for him when needed. After about 2 months of this they fired him for coming in late and lack of work ethic. Then they fired another IT guy for complaining about firing his co-worker.
B0NERSTORM on December 14th, 2018 at 19:42 UTC »
My sister just found out she would have been fired if not for the FMLA and ada protection. Her job was sharing condolences to her face but trying to find a loop hole to fire her the whole time.