Battling Worlds Largest Airline:A plaintiffs plea

Believing in yourself and having the courage to seek help is the first step to recovery.

I am asking for support or prayers because American Airlines has wronged me. I have suffered from drug addiction (now in a non-stop fight to recovery), a broken heart, and almost lost my life.

I am on a non-stop fight to recovery at Wellbridge Rehab and Addiction Research Center in Calverton, New York (Long Island). I am proud to say that I have been sober since Dec. 11 and have recently made strides toward understanding the root of my drug use. I am determined to fight against addiction and am now taking legal action against American.

So how did this all happen? In short…

After working for a company for over a decade, I was let go without any severance package (while my counterparts were), health insurance, or flying benefits. It was a slap in the face when they offered me $10,000 as compensation for back pay, medical expenses, and emotional distress caused by the situation.

Despite the unfair treatment I faced from my former boss, I never gave up on the 130,000 team members worldwide I was helping during the very start of COVID. Despite adversity, I remained resilient and optimistic until being unlawfully terminated after filing for FMLA when they knew of my pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Even though I was the only gay male Latino on the team of 8 for whom I did not receive a severance package, I remain proud of my accomplishments. I will use this to empower myself and others to move forward and strive for greatness.

How can you help?

After three unsuccessful attorneys, I now understand why I could not litigate the case against American. As I have taken on the role of self-representation, I have dealt with the incredibly hostile and disrespectful defense team at American. I firmly believe that they are determined to undermine my case, as demonstrated by their successful suspension of my GoFundMe page. Despite these challenges, I remain confident that I have a valid and winning case.

I need prayers, support, and assistance in getting my story heard and gaining access to an attorney or litigation funder. I am up against a billion-dollar company and its bully attorneys. I have limited funds remaining in my account to cover the increasing court fees and some out-of-pocket rehabilitation costs not covered by my insurance.

As an active American Airlines team member, an anonymous donation is encouraged without fear of retribution. It should address the company's media policy. Your contribution is helping to prevent further injustice. Furthermore, retaliation against you would be illegal and could mean another lawsuit against them.