In a heartwarming story that highlights the power of selflessness and the bond between teacher and student, Carissa Fisher, a 21-year-old teacher and member of the U.S. Air Force, made an extraordinary decision to donate part of her liver to save the life of a former student, 5-year-old Ezra Toczek. Ezra, from Alden, New York, had been struggling with progressive liver disease since birth, which led to severe complications. His parents, Karen and Ron Toczek, faced the heartbreaking reality that their son would need a liver transplant to survive. Little did they know that someone who had played an important role in Ezra’s life years earlier, Carissa, would step forward to give him the gift of life.
Ezra’s Journey: From Foster Care to a Life-Changing Transplant
Ezra’s journey began when he was just 7 months old, when Karen and Ron Toczek welcomed him into their home as a foster child. Shortly after, they learned that Ezra had suffered severe liver damage at birth, causing bile duct blockages and impaired liver function. Despite medical interventions, it was clear that Ezra’s liver condition would require further treatment. Pediatric surgeon Dr. Kaveh Vali in Buffalo, New York, referred Ezra to Dr. Adam Griesemer, a pediatric liver transplant specialist at NYU Langone’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, who performed a surgery to reconstruct Ezra’s bile ducts, buying him precious time before needing a transplant.
Over the next few years, Ezra became an integral part of the Toczeks’ family, which included seven biological children and other foster children. In 2022, the couple officially adopted Ezra, who brought joy and energy into their household. However, by February 2024, Ezra’s condition worsened, and he was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. The symptoms—severe itching, fatigue, and liver scarring—had a profound impact on his life, leaving him unable to function as a typical 5-year-old. It was clear that Ezra would need a liver transplant to survive, but the Toczeks faced the daunting challenge of finding a suitable donor.
The Moment That Changed Everything: Carissa’s Lifesaving Decision
In a world where waiting lists for organ transplants can take years, Ezra’s family turned to social media in a last-ditch effort to find a liver donor. Carissa Fisher, who had been Ezra’s daycare teacher when he was younger, saw the post and immediately felt compelled to help. She didn’t hesitate for a moment, deciding to apply as a living liver donor. Without informing the Toczek family, Carissa went through a rigorous screening process to determine whether she would be a suitable donor. After a series of tests, it was confirmed that she was a perfect match for Ezra.
On May 25, 2024, Carissa surprised the Toczek family by knocking on their door with a sign that read, “Ezra, would you like to share my liver?” It was a moment of shock and immense relief for the family, as they realized that they no longer had to wait for a donor from the national list. Carissa’s decision to donate her liver gave Ezra a second chance at life, and her act of kindness left the family in awe of her selflessness.
A Successful Transplant at NYU Langone Health
On August 7, 2024, the life-saving transplant was successfully carried out at NYU Langone Health. Carissa underwent a minimally invasive robotic surgery, where 30 percent of her liver was removed for donation. The robotic surgery technique used at NYU Langone allows donors to recover more quickly, and Carissa was soon on her way to recovery. The transplant team, led by Dr. Karim J. Halazun, performed the surgery with precision, ensuring that Carissa’s recovery would be smooth and that Ezra would receive a liver that would grow with him as he aged.
At the same time, pediatric transplant surgeon Dr. Adam Griesemer and Dr. Bernardo Daniel Campos successfully transplanted the portion of Carissa’s liver into Ezra. The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate and heal itself, and in just six months, Carissa’s liver would fully grow back, a fact that she found both fascinating and comforting. For Ezra, the transplant marked the beginning of a new life—one filled with hope, energy, and the chance to live a normal childhood.
Ezra’s Miraculous Recovery
Following the transplant, Ezra’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Within days of the surgery, he regained his appetite, mood, and energy. His transformation was remarkable, as he bounced back from the fatigue and discomfort that had plagued him before the transplant. Karen, Ezra’s mother, described the moment of seeing her son return to his joyful self as “beyond words.” It was a testament to the power of organ donation and the difference it can make in the life of a child.
Carissa, who had made the ultimate sacrifice to help Ezra, visited him during his recovery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. Ezra greeted her with smiles, laughter, and jokes, a clear sign of his improved health. Carissa’s act of kindness had brought her and the Toczek family even closer, and they forged a strong bond through the experience.
Ezra’s recovery continued to progress, and by September 2024, he was discharged from the hospital to continue his follow-up care at the nearby Ronald McDonald House. By November, he was back home with his family, attending school and enjoying life with his siblings. The once-limited child had now caught up on his growth and development, and his future seemed full of promise.
A Reunion and a Bright Future
In November 2024, Ezra returned to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital for a reunion with his medical team. It was a joyful occasion, marked by Ezra’s return to “his” hospital, where he had spent so much of his life. During this reunion, he had the opportunity to see Carissa for the first time since the transplant, and the bond between them was evident. “Ezra loves seeing all his best friends at ‘his’ hospital,” said Karen. “He was sad to leave and certainly not afraid to come back.”
For Carissa, the experience of donating her liver to save Ezra’s life was life-changing. “The reward of knowing you’ve helped someone in need is incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “I hope more people will consider becoming donors. It’s a decision that can truly change lives.” Carissa’s selfless act of kindness had given Ezra the chance to live a full, healthy life, and she hoped that their story would inspire others to consider the life-saving potential of organ donation.
Karen, too, expressed her profound gratitude to Carissa. “I am forever grateful to Carissa for giving Ezra this gift of life. She has changed our world in ways we can never fully express.”
The Lifesaving Power of Organ Donation
The story of Carissa Fisher’s incredible act of organ donation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living organ donation. Thanks to her decision to donate part of her liver, Ezra was able to receive a life-saving transplant that restored his health and gave him the opportunity to thrive. Their story demonstrates the remarkable potential of organ donation to change lives and save families from the devastating effects of organ failure.
For anyone considering becoming an organ donor, Carissa’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact that such a decision can have. “If I were 5 years old, I’d want someone to do it for me,” said Carissa. Her words serve as a powerful call to action for others to consider the possibility of becoming an organ donor, especially in cases like Ezra’s, where a living donor can make all the difference.
This incredible act of kindness has not only given Ezra a new lease on life, but it has also brought together a community of caregivers, families, and friends who rallied around him during his journey. Through the generosity of one person, an entire family’s world was changed forever.
