In a heartwarming moment, 5-year-old Ezra from Alden, New York, was surprised at home by his former preschool teacher, Carissa Fisher. Fisher, accompanied by her mother, arrived with a colorful poster and a stuffed teddy bear to deliver life-changing news. The emotional scene, captured on video, revealed Fisher’s plan to donate part of her liver to Ezra.
A Fatal Condition
Little kid sipping a drink.
Karen Thorpe Toczek / Facebook
Ezra’s health journey has been marked by significant challenges since he was an infant. Diagnosed with severe liver damage and scarring, his condition has profoundly impacted his daily life. Despite his energetic and animated personality, Ezra’s liver issues have drained his vitality and disrupted his sleep patterns.
Karen Toczek, a maternity nurse, has watched her son endure the struggles of his condition without much complaint. “He doesn’t express it when he’s not feeling well, but there are some days where he just isn’t himself,” she explained. The liver damage has not only affected his energy levels but also his ability to engage in typical activities for a child his age.
The urgency of Ezra’s need for a liver transplant became apparent as his symptoms worsened over time. The liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, aiding digestion, and storing energy, plays a crucial role in overall health. Without a functioning liver, Ezra’s quality of life and long-term prognosis were at severe risk.
The transplant process is complex and requires a compatible donor match, which is challenging to find. The family had all but given up hope when they received an unexpected knock on their door that changed everything.
A Teacher’s Determination
When Carissa Fisher arrived at the Toczek family home on May 25th, she brought with her more than just a colorful poster and a stuffed teddy bear — she brought hope. This visit was the culmination of months of secret planning and rigorous medical testing to determine if she could be a suitable liver donor for Ezra.
Fisher, who had taught Ezra in preschool back in 2022, had been deeply moved when she saw Karen Toczek’s Facebook post in March, detailing Ezra’s urgent need for a liver transplant. Without hesitation, Fisher began the process to see if she could donate a portion of her liver to the young boy.
“There wasn’t really a second thought. I just immediately was like, OK, I have to try this. I have to do this,” Fisher explained.
Her determination was unwavering as she navigated the extensive medical evaluations, which included blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations with specialists. The process was thorough to ensure that both Fisher and Ezra would be safe during and after the surgery.
When Fisher learned she was a perfect match, she was both stunned and elated. “The odds of being that good of a match are slim to none … so it kind of came as a shock to me when I finally got that call,” the 20-year-old recalled. The news meant that the transplant surgery could move forward, potentially changing Ezra’s life forever.
A Mother’s Gratitude
Two adults and one kid raising their hand.
Karen Thorpe Toczek / Facebook
Karen Toczek, a mother of eight and a foster mom of one, was overcome with gratitude and relief. “I really struggled to wrap my head around that in that moment, just this is really happening. So it’s going to be hers. It’s her. She’s the one,” Toczek reflected. For a mother who had watched her son endure so much pain and fatigue, Fisher’s selfless act was nothing short of a miracle.
The poster Fisher brought read, “Hey Ezra! Would you like to share my liver?” and it gave Ezra the option to check a Yes or No box. With guidance from Fisher, Ezra eagerly checked the ‘Yes’ box, his face lighting up with joy. “He was so happy. … He turned around to his family members and he’s like, ‘I’m getting my liver. She’s gonna help make me feel better,'” Fisher recounted.
This sefless act gave the Toczek family the strength to carry on. Ezra’s journey had been long and arduous, filled with uncertainty and fear. Fisher’s decision to donate part of her liver not only promised a healthier future for Ezra but also highlighted the incredible power of compassion and human connection.
A Lesson In Selflessness
Fisher’s remarkable act of kindness has already begun to inspire others. By sharing their story, Toczek and Fisher hope to raise awareness about living organ donation. “One thing we hear over and over again, is that people didn’t realize you could be a living donor for a liver,” Toczek noted. Fisher added, “I hope it inspires people to maybe put themselves on a living donor list and step out of their comfort zone.”
This extraordinary tale of generosity and courage showcases the profound impact one person’s selflessness can have on another’s life, reminding us all of the incredible power of kindness.
