Hello  – My name is Mei and I am currently in the fight of my life.

After deep reflection, I felt as though I had to set aside pride and tell my story, in hopes of obtaining the support I so desperately need at this time.

ABOUT ME

A university educated, dedicated public servant for the Commonwealth of Virginia, who has passionately advocated for individuals who were unable to advocate for themselves, whether due to lack of know-how or mental/physical impairment. Throughout my decade-long tenure, I have spent countless hours as a senior sworn officer investigating individuals and public-serving entities accused of violating laws, regulations and/or policies related to misconduct, discrimination, abuse, neglect, fraud and waste.

MEDICAL PLIGHT

In February 2024, after over two years of constantly feeling poorly and undergoing rounds of testing to exclude other possibilities, I was diagnosed with a Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN).

MPNs are a group of blood cancers in the body’s bone marrow that cause the bone marrow to produce too many white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets. The four (4) main types of chronic MPNs are, Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Polycythemia Vera (PV), Primary Myelofibrosis (MF) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). I was stunned, but the diagnosis explained the mysteriousness regarding how terrible I had been feeling for so long. 

Shortly after beginning immunotherapy and chemotherapy, I accepted a promotional opportunity with a new state agency. Because of comprehensive health insurance and an outstanding hematology-oncology care team (aka unsung heroes), I was able to continue working whilst going through treatment. 

Unfortunately, after a year, an updated bone marrow biopsy revealed that in addition to ET, I had now developed a secondary MPN diagnosis, Myelofibrosis. There were (are still) no words that can accurately articulate how I feel/felt emotionally or mentally.  A new game plan for treatment was implemented. It was determined that I needed a stem-cell transplant. I also began receiving palliative care. 

THE INJUSTICE

Simultaneous to the MPN diagnosis and subsequent treatment, red-flag incidents in the workplace began to compromise my moral compass, prompting me to challenge the authority, integrity and competency of agency leadership.  I was extremely distressed and conflicted because on one hand – I wanted to whistleblow, resign and find other employment, yet, on the other hand, I was not physically in a position to do any of those things – certainly not while battling cancer and being the sole person responsible to pay my bills.  I began being subjected to retaliation and disability discrimination in March, and by May, I had to take a medical leave of absence from work to focus on my health.

When I was ready to return to work some months later, my employing agency refused to allow me back without giving any explanation (which completely misaligns with policy and law), continuing their discrimination and retaliation campaign. I was unlawfully forced to remain out of work without pay during the entire holiday season. NO INCOME = no way to pay bills including my health insurance premium, and no means to pay for my costly prescription medication.  On the day I was finally permitted to return, I was notified of an intent to imposed disciplinary action up to and including termination.  I immediately followed proper procedure (and Chain of Command) by submitting complaints and grievances to executive leadership regarding the ongoing discrimination, harassment and retaliation. I was ignored by the very people whose responsibility was to intervene and assess/address allegations. These executive leaders were made aware of my cancer beginning April 2025. 

Because my concerns were disregarded, my disability weaponized and I was denied Due Process, I was terminated on January 23rd by the very person I previously accused of discriminating and retailing against me. On January 30th, I discovered my final day of benefits coverage was January 31st. 

Because I no longer have health insurance, the scheduled stem-cell (bone marrow) transplant has been suspended indefinitely. The former employer failed to provide me with mandatory post-termination correspondence related to my final leave payout, benefits and COBRA options.  Additionally, they plan to contest my application for unemployment insurance benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission.

Being the advocate that I am, I intend to fight the wrongful termination, however, I cannot deny that I am fearful of the mental, emotional and physical toll doing so will have on me. 

I am already experiencing detrimental setbacks. The fear I feel is indescribable.  I can no longer afford quality-of-life dependent prescriptions, a home-health nurse, a caregiver, physical therapy, palliative care, or living expenses (shelter, utilities, etc.)

MY PLEA

1. Financial Assistance – Whether a $1, $10, or $100, any amount donated would be immensely welcomed and appreciated. The goal I’ve set is $5,000, which will hopefully cover reoccurring bills and medication for a few months, until I can secure a legal victory through the court system against my former employer. 
2. Legal Assistance – Any assistance from a legal advocate, paralegal or attorney skilled in employment law (particularly disability/employment discrimination and/or wrongful termination), who would be willing to provide pro-bono representation. I would also appreciate any referrals to affordable lawyers or charitable organizations that may be able to offer grants.

THANK YOU for taking the time to read my fundraiser. May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 

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With an abundance of gratitude,

Mei