A Miracle of Kindness: How a Preschool Teacher’s Selfless Gift is Saving a Life
In life, we often encounter events that seem nothing short of miraculous, moments when fate intertwines two paths in the most unexpected and heartwarming ways. For 5-year-old Ezra Toczek and his former preschool teacher Carissa Fisher, such a moment occurred, one that would change both of their lives forever.
Ezra, born with liver complications, had struggled with the lasting effects of liver damage since birth. His diagnosis of end-stage liver disease earlier this year placed him on the transplant list, a wait filled with uncertainty and fear for his family. Yet, out of this difficult situation arose an extraordinary act of kindness—one that no one could have anticipated.
Carissa Fisher, who met Ezra during her time as his preschool teacher, heard about his need for a liver donor. Without hesitation, she signed up to be tested, hoping against hope that she might be a match. Against all odds, she was. The news felt surreal, like an impossible coincidence, but sometimes the most incredible stories are born from such rare events.
Determined to share this life-saving gift, Carissa made a trip to New York City, where Ezra’s family had recently moved. She came bearing more than just her presence—she arrived with a sign that would change the course of Ezra’s life. “Hey Ezra! Would you like to share my liver?” the sign read, offering the little boy a simple choice marked by a checkbox for “yes” or “no.”
The confusion on Ezra’s face quickly turned into shy joy as he checked “yes,” with the help of Carissa and his mother, Karen. It was a moment of innocent understanding, the kind that a 5-year-old can grasp but may not fully realize the magnitude of.
The road to this decision was not easy for Carissa. As a living donor, she would undergo a major surgery to donate a portion of her liver, knowing full well the challenges ahead. But her heart was set. She shared her journey on a GoFundMe page, explaining her bond with Ezra and her reasons for stepping forward as his donor. “I met Ezra through my preschool teaching job at Precious People Daycare! I have been through all of the testing/evaluation process and was finally approved by the medical board to be Ezra’s liver donor. A perfect match!”
Carissa’s decision didn’t come without personal sacrifices. Living far from the transplant team in New York City, she needed help to cover travel expenses and care from her family as she recovered post-surgery. Her selflessness, however, was unwavering. “There are thousands of people in need of livers and kidneys, and you never know whose life you’ll be changing,” she wrote, urging others to consider becoming living donors.
Ezra’s family, overcome with emotion, could hardly believe the turn of events. His mother, Karen, expressed her gratitude for Carissa’s generosity, saying they were “completely overwhelmed” by her kindness. The relief, the joy, and the hope that now filled their lives were palpable. Karen shared the touching video of Carissa’s surprise visit on social media, writing, “Miss Carissa is a perfect match! I can’t even begin to express our gratitude! The tears keep coming… the most amazing gift!!”
As Ezra awaits his transplant, the family knows the journey is far from over. The operation itself, the recovery, and the follow-up care will be intense. But thanks to Carissa, there is light at the end of the tunnel—a hope that Ezra will not only survive but thrive.
Stories like Ezra and Carissa’s remind us of the profound impact one person can have on another’s life. It’s a testament to the power of compassion, the bravery of stepping up in the face of adversity, and the deep connections we form, sometimes without even knowing the significance they will hold in the future.
In this heartwarming tale, the concept of giving takes on a new meaning. Carissa’s decision to become a living donor is not just about saving a life; it’s about giving Ezra the chance to live a fuller, healthier life—a gift more precious than words can convey.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/bAEYzisL4wM?si=ixwsxNM0ayH1u-rw
- https://www.themirror.com/news/health/preschool-teacher-donate-kidney-save-517225
- https://www.today.com/parents/family/teacher-surprises-boy-liver-donor-rcna158622
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
About Author
