Preschool teacher donates part of liver to save former student’s life

ALDEN, NY (WKBW) – A Western New York family is celebrating after their prayers were answered when it comes to finding an organ donor for one of their children.

Ezra is one of eight children in the Toczek household.

He was adopted by the Toczek family when he was 6 months old.

His mother, Karen Toczek, says he’s always smiling, but the liver damage he suffered at birth forced Ezra in and out of the hospital, leaving the 5-year-old to struggle with ongoing health.

Doctors say Ezra has end-stage liver disease, which means his liver is damaged.

In January, Ezra and his mother traveled to New York, where doctors determined he was in desperate need of a liver transplant.

In February, Ezra was approved to be put on the transplant list.

However, it’s been weeks without an update.

But little did the family know that behind the scenes a familiar face was hoping to help.

Carissa Fisher. Ezra’s former kindergarten teacher said she learned of his condition and in March, unbeknownst to the family, applied to be a living donor for Ezra’s liver transplant.

So in April, Fisher traveled to New York City for the necessary testing and last Friday received word of the approval.

Fisher shared the news with Ezra’s family over the weekend, bringing a stuffed animal, balloons and a special sign that read “Would you like to share my liver?”

“It was exciting. It made me very happy to see them both happy,” Fisher said.

Toczek added: “We were overwhelmed with emotion.”

The hope is that Ezra’s liver transplant will be scheduled for later this summer.

Fisher said she hopes her incredible gesture encourages others to become donors.

The Toczek family said it’s a sense of relief to know their 5-year-old will finally get the help he needs.

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