"Want to Use My Liver?"... American Teacher Donates Part of Liver for Sick 5-Year-Old Student

Decision to Donate After 30% Liver Resection

A story of an American kindergarten teacher who personally donated part of her liver to a 5-year-old child suffering from liver disease is touching local citizens.

On the 10th (local time), the Washington Post reported the story of Karisa Fisher, a kindergarten teacher working in New York State. Fisher decided to donate 30% of her liver to her student Ezra Tochek (5), who suffers from chronic liver disease.

Fisher reportedly made the decision to donate after hearing that Ezra was looking for a liver donor. She first went to the hospital where Ezra was receiving treatment to undergo a liver transplant compatibility test, and upon receiving a positive result, she decided to donate without hesitation.

A kindergarten teacher decided to donate a liver for her 5-year-old student Ezra Photo by The Washington Post website capture

Afterwards, Fisher visited Ezra’s home together with her mother. At that time, she was holding a sign that read, "Hey Ezra! Want to share my liver?"

Karen Tochek, Ezra’s adoptive mother, immediately welled up with tears upon seeing Fisher. It is reported that Ezra has been living with Karen since he was 7 months old.

Originally, Karen intended to donate her liver to Ezra, but her plan was ultimately thwarted by medical authorities. The U.S. medical authorities did not permit the surgery, citing that Karen is already the mother of seven children and the primary caregiver of Ezra.

Karen told the media, "Something I never imagined happened," and added, "It’s truly amazing that a kindergarten teacher would sacrifice for someone else’s child." She also expressed gratitude to Fisher for deciding to donate her liver. Fisher responded, "There was no hesitation at all," and said, "I’m just happy to be able to help Ezra."

Meanwhile, liver transplant surgery involves removing a portion of the donor’s liver and transplanting it into the recipient. It is known that the resected liver recovers about 60% within one week and about 80% within three months.

However, donors must be hospitalized for about 10 to 14 days for treatment, and even after discharge, they must visit the hospital for up to six months to evaluate liver regeneration and functional recovery. Especially during the recovery period, strenuous labor and intense exercise are not allowed. This is believed to be the reason why local medical authorities denied Karen’s liver donation.