Jonathan Larson, a 19-year-old delivery driver for the Rosebud Restaurant in Chicago, is claiming that he was terminated from his job because he requested an extended period of time off work. The reason? He required a major brain surgery due being diagnosed with a rare cancer of the brain and spine.

Although Jonathan had already undergone radiation treatment, he was recently informed that he will also need back surgery and as a result, he will be on short term disability and unable to return to work for a period of at least six weeks.

If all of that isn’t bad enough, Larson claims that when he spoke with his boss and requested the time off for surgery, his boss was none too happy and fired him immediately.

“He said ‘so you’re going to leave me high and dry like that.’ He said, ‘No, by that time I’ll already have another driver hired. Just leave, I have to make some phone calls,’” Larsen said. “I’m really disappointed and saddened by it. It’s not something I can help.”

A spokesperson for Rosebud Restaurant wouldn’t comment on specifics but said that they are investigating the incident.

“For more than thirty-six years Rosebud has been successful through the hard work of our employees,” read a statement from a restaurant spokesperson. “We are thoroughly investigating this matter to determine if our processes and protocols were appropriately followed. Rosebud proudly serves the Chicagoland community and considers it our mission to treat all employees fairly.”

Larson said he feels “disrespected and demeaned” because of his diagnosis. “I would love an apology,” he said. “It would go a long way to make me feel better about the situation.”

H/T: NBC Chicago