School Bus Driver, 60, Fired over Drink in Cup Holder amid Cancer Battle: ‘It Was Just a Mistake’

It was a usual day for a female bus driver as she carried out her routine duty of dropping kids home after school. Being a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, she took a drink from her roommate's fridge before heading to work. To her dismay, that seemingly insignificant can in her cup holder became the reason for her unexpected dismissal.

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Amal Hanna, a 60-year-old dedicated bus driver in Smithtown, Long Island, New York, experienced a life-altering event. On that fateful day, while driving students home from school, Hanna inadvertently consumed an alcoholic beverage, believing it to be a regular seltzer left by her roommate in the fridge.

To her dismay, it was a White Claw, a popular alcoholic drink Hanna, a non-drinker, was entirely unaware of the beverage's alcohol content.

Losing Her Job

Unfortunately, Hanna's reportedly innocent error had significant repercussions. When the can was discovered in her bus's cup holder, she was immediately terminated from her job. Due to chemotherapy treatments that affected her sense of taste, Hanna said she didn't detect the alcohol in the beverage.

Driving the kids to school and back home was one of Hanna's favorite things to do.

We Transport Bus Company, Hanna's employer, promptly responded to the incident, denouncing her actions. In an official statement, the company declared, "This alleged conduct is completely unacceptable, and the driver has been immediately removed from service."

Following the incident, a tearful Hanna expressed regret for what she deemed an honest mistake. "I have been crying and crying, I don't even have any more tears. It was just a mistake, it was a mistake," she insisted.

Suffolk County police clarified that Hanna genuinely believed she was drinking a non-alcoholic beverage and thus would not face legal charges. Furthermore, the Smithtown school district officials made a definitive decision, stating that Hanna would no longer be responsible for transporting any Smithtown students.

What Did the Parents and Kids Say about the Bus Driver?

Hanna's termination deeply affected her, as she genuinely enjoyed her work. Having lost her job, she's deeply concerned that she won't be able to cover her continuing medical expenses during her chemotherapy treatment. She expressed her fear, saying, "I'm frightened I'm going to be on the street because of a mistake."

Driving the kids to school and back home was one of Hanna's favorite things to do. "I love the kids, I love my company," she expressed while wiping her tears. Colleagues and parents attested to her dedication, describing her as meticulous, sweet, and caring. One parent empathetically said, "She was so sweet and kind to them, I can't imagine she would ever do anything to harm them."

Candice Farrell, a parent whose children were daily passengers on Hanna's school bus route, attested to her kindness. Farrell, who created a GoFundMe campaign to support Hanna during this challenging time, highlighted her 15-year tenure as a beloved bus driver. "The children on her bus said she was [the] kindest woman who was like a grandma to them," noted Farrell.

The mother mentioned that Hanna was currently undergoing chemotherapy and had made an honest mistake that led to the loss of her job. Farrell's own children were present on the bus that day, and they were certain it was a genuine error. Both emotionally and financially, Hanna was in need of assistance.

Farrell urged people to take a moment to learn about Hanna's story and consider contributing to help her regain peace and stability. As of October 12, the online fundraiser has gathered over $21,000 of the $30,000 targeted amount, with more donations expected to pour in soon.

The Bus Driver's Health Ordeal

Another GoFundMe account was created to provide financial support to Hanna in the wake of her unexpected dismissal. "Our lives were turned upside down last year when our beloved Amal received a shocking late-stage cancer diagnosis. For over 15 years, she dedicated herself to a job she loved as a school bus driver, treating every child with unmatched care," read the description on the fundraising page.

"However, as she began chemotherapy, she made a single mistake that cost her that job, causing financial and emotional strain...Amal is a fighter, and we're determined to help ease her financial burden, covering medical expenses, rent, and essentials. Please share this campaign to make a profound impact on Amal's journey toward recovery." The fundraiser has generated over $9,000 of the $15,000 goal and counting.

What are your thoughts on this story? Do you feel the bus driver was treated unfairly and should be restored on her job or given some form of compensation? Click here to read another story about a six-year-old New Jersey girl who died in a school bus on her way to school after the monitor left her unattended.