When 5-year-old Ezra from Alden, New York, faced complications of progressive liver disease, his former daycare teacher, Carissa Fisher, became an unexpected hero. The 21-year-old teacher and member of the U.S. Air Force actually donated a portion of her liver, giving Ezra a second chance at life.
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?” The perfect donor match sent her on a trajectory that would save Ezra’s life, with the successful transplant taking place at the NYU Langone Health.
Carissa underwent an array of tests to confirm she’d be a good candidate and that it would be safe for her to donate a portion of her liver. The tests revealed she was a perfect match.
Ezra continues to thrive, thanks to Carissa’s life-changing gift of organ donation. They hope their story encourages others to consider becoming organ donors.