BTN News: When Carissa Fisher, a young teacher from Alden, New York, learned that one of her former preschool students, Ezra Toczek, needed a life-saving liver transplant, she didn’t hesitate. Holding balloons, a stuffed animal, and a sign that read, “Hey Ezra, would you like to share my liver?” Fisher arrived at the Toczek family’s doorstep, ready to offer a piece of herself—literally. Driven by compassion and a deep sense of duty to her student, Fisher’s selfless decision highlights the profound impact that one person can have on another’s life. As Ezra battles end-stage liver disease, Fisher’s heroic choice offers a beacon of hope.
A Teacher’s Unexpected Journey to Becoming a Living Organ Donor
Carissa Fisher, a 20-year-old teacher, never imagined she would one day consider becoming a living organ donor. However, when she stumbled upon a Facebook post from Ezra Toczek’s adoptive family, everything changed. Ezra, only 5 years old, had once been a student at Fisher’s preschool, Precious People, in the small town of Alden, New York. The post was a plea for help, urging potential donors with O+ blood type to consider donating part of their liver to save Ezra’s life. Fisher knew immediately that she had to act.
“I saw the message and thought, ‘He’s one of my kids, and he needs help,’” Fisher explained in a recent interview. She didn’t hesitate. “If I have the means to help him, I will.”
A Race Against Time: Ezra’s Struggle with Liver Disease
Ezra’s condition is dire. Diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, his liver is failing to perform its critical functions—digesting food, storing energy, and eliminating toxins. His health problems began from birth, and the clock is ticking. Despite being on the official transplant list, Ezra’s family was advised to find a living donor quickly to improve his chances of survival.
His symptoms are severe. As Dr. Jennifer Vittorio, Director of Pediatric Transplants at NYU Langone, describes, “One of the worst symptoms he faces is an unrelenting itch that prevents him from sleeping. This affects his ability to focus at school and live a normal life.”
Taking the First Step: A Decision Rooted in Compassion
Without second thoughts, Fisher and her mother, who owns the preschool where she taught, scanned the QR code on the family’s GoFundMe page, which linked directly to the NYU Langone Transplant Institute’s donor questionnaire. They decided to keep this step private until Fisher could confirm she was a viable donor.
In March, Fisher submitted her application. A month later, the hospital contacted her for a battery of tests—blood work, MRIs, CT scans, and echocardiograms—to determine if she was a match. While Fisher anxiously awaited the results, her mother urged her to think carefully about the potential risks.
But Fisher remained steadfast: “If it were me, I’d want someone to do the same,” she asserted.
The Risks and Realities of Living Organ Donation
Living organ donation carries significant risks. The procedure involves removing 30% of Fisher’s liver and transplanting it into Ezra. While the liver can regenerate, there is still the possibility of serious complications, including infections in the bile ducts or, in extreme cases, death.
“The risks are real, but so is the hope,” explained Dr. Vittorio. “Carissa is young, healthy, and a perfect match, making her an ideal donor.”
Modern medical advancements, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, have made the process less invasive, reducing recovery time. However, Fisher will still need several weeks of monitoring and must avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent complications like hernias.
An Emotional Moment: Ezra Learns About His New Lifeline
Once Fisher was confirmed as a suitable donor, she and her mother visited the Toczek home to share the news. She brought a sign with two checkboxes: one green for “yes” and one red for “no.” After explaining her offer to Ezra and his family, she handed the young boy a marker.
“Do you want to mark the box?” she asked with a smile. Ezra, wide-eyed with understanding, marked the green box with determination.
The surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th. As the day approaches, Ezra is filled with questions, wondering how long he’ll be in the hospital and away from his siblings. His adoptive mother, Karen Thorpe Toczek, shared on social media, “He asked, ‘Many weeks? Oh, I’m going to miss my family!’”
A Community Comes Together: Financial and Emotional Support
Both Fisher’s and Ezra’s families face financial challenges due to the extensive recovery periods and follow-up care. Fisher will be in the intensive care unit for two days, then in the transplant ward for a week, and will need to stay in New York City for a month of follow-up appointments. Her relatives have started a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses, just like Ezra’s family.
Despite the costs and the risks, Fisher remains undeterred. “I’m not afraid of the surgery. I’m ready,” she stated, eager to return to teaching as soon as possible. “I just hope I can make a difference in Ezra’s life.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Yet Uncertain Future
Dr. Vittorio is optimistic about the prognosis. “We will know within the first two days if the transplant was successful,” she noted. The liver’s unique ability to regenerate quickly means that Fisher’s liver should return to nearly its original size within six weeks, and the transplanted liver in Ezra will adapt to his body’s needs.
This act of bravery and selflessness exemplifies the incredible difference one person can make. Carissa Fisher’s courage has brought hope to Ezra Toczek and his family, a testament to the power of compassion and community.
Conclusion: Carissa Fisher’s inspiring choice to donate a part of her liver to a former student not only exemplifies the lengths to which a teacher’s dedication can go but also sheds light on the challenges and possibilities of living organ donation. As the surgery date draws near, both families, supported by their community, face the future with hope and determination, embodying the true spirit of human generosity.
