Hannah Rinehart's family seeks to allow sick day donations - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

The brother of a woman who lost her battle a rare bacterial infection asked school board members in Gwinnett County to allow sick day donations.

Hannah Rinehart, 32, was a triple cancer survivor, whose immune system was weakened when she contracted a rare bacterial infection from her dog's saliva. The infection had caused Hannah to have her hands and feet amputated. She died of organ failure earlier this month.

Rinehart's husband, Mark, is a teacher at South Gwinnett High School.  His co-workers had sought to donate their sick leave to Rinehart so he could be with his ailing wife.  The board was considering that request when Hannah passed away.

Rinehart's brother, David Johnson, made an emotional plea to the board on Thursday to allow donation of accrued sick leave.

The board made no decision on Thursday.

"They needed to keep that position instead of showing what I would consider to be true integrity," said Johnson.

Hannah's family members said that they would continue the fight to change the policy to the Georgia State House if necessary.