A 21-year-old daycare teacher donated part of her liver to save a 5-year-old, giving him a second chance at life.
Living out our faith means showing the love of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. It calls us to carry the burdens of others and help them in every way we can.
When Carissa Fisher chose to give part of her liver to save her former student, she showed us the kind of selfless love Jesus taught us to share.
Karen and Ron Toczek welcomed baby Ezra into their home as a foster child in 2019 when he was just seven months old. The little boy had severe liver damage from birth that blocked his bile ducts.
Though doctors performed surgery to help him early on, they knew he would eventually need a new liver. The Toczeks, who already had seven children of their own and cared for other foster kids, fell in love with Ezra’s bright spirit and officially adopted him in 2022.
By February 2024, Ezra’s liver was failing. He could not sleep well because of constant itching. His liver had severe scarring, and he felt tired all the time.
Dr. Jennifer Vittorio at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital told the family Ezra needed a liver transplant soon. Karen turned to Facebook, sharing their story and praying someone would step forward to help her son.
That’s when God moved in an unexpected way. Carissa Fisher, who had been Ezra’s daycare teacher years ago, saw the post. Without telling anyone, she contacted NYU Langone’s Transplant Institute to see if she could donate part of her liver. After testing, the doctors found she was a perfect match.
“I guess, for me, it wasn’t really a decision,” Carissa said. “It was something I kind of knew I was going to do. I mean, how could you say ‘No’ to them?”
In May 2024, Carissa surprised the family by showing up at their door holding a sign that read “Ezra, would you like to share my liver?”
Karen says that moment brought incredible relief, knowing they wouldn’t have to wait and worry on the transplant list.
On August 7, 2024, doctors removed 30 percent of Carissa’s liver using special robotic surgery. They then transplanted it into Ezra.
The surgery went well, and Ezra’s personality came back almost right away. He started laughing, smiling, and telling jokes again.
The hospital staff helped Ezra stay positive during his recovery. By September 20, he moved to a Ronald McDonald House near the hospital. On November 1, he finally went home.
“He’s back at school, hanging out with friends and playing with his siblings,” Karen shared. “He’s doing all the things he loves to do.”
When Ezra returned to the hospital in November for a checkup, he had a happy reunion with Carissa and his care team. They celebrated with his favorite things: dinosaurs and slime. Ezra calls it “his hospital” now and wasn’t even sad about going back.
“I am forever grateful to Carissa for giving Ezra this gift of life,” Karen said, her voice full of emotion.
This incredible story shows us exactly what Jesus meant when He taught us to love one another. When Carissa gave part of her liver to Ezra, she put Jesus’ words into action. She didn’t just feel sorry for him or offer kind words. She gave a part of herself to save his life.
As James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
When we see someone in need, rather than just offering kind words, let us speak faith through our actions. We might not need to donate an organ, but we can give our time, resources, or skills to help others.
Jesus taught us that there is no greater love than laying down our life for another person. When God touches our heart to help someone in need, let’s be like Carissa and say yes right away.
WATCH: Daycare Worker Donates Part of Liver to Former Student
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