LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Theresa Novak was nominated by Yulia Batyrbaeva, a member of her community.

Ms. Novak has been teaching for over 30 years. She has been making a difference every day in the lives of her students by shaping their paths with guidance and support. In addition, she went above and beyond changing the life of one of her former students by becoming a living donor. Ms. Novak is literally a LifeChanger!

In 2017, Derek Norton, one of her former students, was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition impacting his liver and life: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). PSC causes the body to attack the bile ducts and build up fibrosis and strictures. With no known cure, a liver transplant is the only option for Derek. 

In June 2022, Derek was hospitalized with an infection that led his medical team to urgently advise a life-saving liver transplant. Upon learning of the critical health issues facing Derek, who she taught 27 years ago, Ms. Novak made the extraordinary decision to be a living donor for her former fourth-grade student.

Her selfless act allowed Derek to see his little son Henry grow up. She proved how far teachers will go to set their students up for lifelong success.

For more information, please watch this video from the local FOX station.