Friday, January 10, 2025
Provides Unforgettable Bills Playoff Experience for Donor & Recipient Families
Buffalo, N.Y. (January 10, 2025) — The Buffalo Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, with Buffalo Bills Legend Thurman Thomas, today surprised Carissa Fisher, an Alden daycare worker, with two tickets to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, in recognition of her selfless act of voluntarily donating her liver to a local child suffering from end-stage liver disease.
The incredible generosity of Carissa changed the life of five-year-old Ezra of Alden, who recently returned to kindergarten following the August transplant procedure and recovery. The surprise was revealed during a heartwarming reunion between Carissa and Ezra on Good Morning America (GMA3)—this marked the first time they had seen each other face-to-face since before his life-saving transplant.
The story gained national notoriety earlier this year, after Carissa surprised Ezra at his home to tell him she applied and approved to become a liver donor after learning of his condition. In a viral post on Facebook, Carissa carried a handmade sign that read “Hey Ezra, would you like to share my liver?” with a box for him to check, “Yes” or “No.”
In addition to recognizing Carissa’s heroic act with Super Bowl tickets, Highmark and the Bills, invited Ezra, Carissa and Ezra’s family to Sunday’s home Wildcard playoff game with tickets and a pre-game igloo VIP Experience to continue the reunion and celebration back home.
“Carissa’s bravery and compassion are a testament to the best of our community, and we are honored to recognize her extraordinary contribution,” said Jessica Cox, president, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "When we heard their story, Highmark and the Bills wanted to celebrate this selfless act that also brought incredible, nationwide awareness to the opportunity and need for liver transplant donors.”
Liver donation is a critical lifesaver for those with end-stage liver disease. Over 10,000 people in the U.S. await transplants (UNOS), with hundreds dying annually while waiting. While deceased donors are crucial, living donor transplants are equally vital, offering faster times and potentially better outcomes. A living donor can donate a portion of their liver, which regenerates fully within weeks, making it a relatively safe procedure for the donor.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, through its partnership with the Buffalo Bills and the NFL Foundation, annually honors a local community hero with two tickets to the Super Bowl. In 2023, they recognized Buffalo Blizzard Hero, Jay Withey and in 2024, James Damon, BPS School Teacher and CPR hero.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.
For more information, contact
Amber Hartmann
716-208-9534
Amber.Hartmann@highmarkhealth.com
