A Henry County teacher who requested time off from the sick leave bank to donate a kidney to her husband will be allowed to do so, Channel 2 Action News reported Tuesday.
Keri Van Sickle was worried that her request would be denied. She said she was told by human resources employees that the procedure is considered an elective surgery for her because she is donating an organ, not receiving one, the station said.
"I thought [the school system's sick leave bank] was a safety net for people who have unusual situations," Keri Van Sickle said. "I certainly thought I qualify as an unusual situation."
Van Sickle told Channel 2 that she has worked in the Henry County School System for 20 years and her husband, J.D., also taught there.
J.D. Van Sickle has stage 4 kidney disease, and the couple was surprised that they are a match.
Keri Van Sickle will be out five to six weeks and had only two weeks of her own sick time to use.
According to Channel 2, the board policy lists organ transplant as an approved illness and does not specify donor or recipient.
A committee granted Van Sickle's request for time off Tuesday.
The transplant is scheduled for Aug. 11.
About the Author
