Life is full of unexpected moments—some of which, we never forget.
For Kendra Hammond and Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr., one such moment occurred this past October.
Kendra was working at her desk at UTMB, assisting a colleague in her office. In the background, she heard the banter of a few familiar voices, along with some tones she didn’t quite recognize.
As the group passed by her door, she glanced their direction and was immediately struck with emotion at the sight of one particular individual.
“I just remember pausing, trying to process who I thought I had seen,” Kendra recalled.
Seeking confirmation, she quickly excused herself and anxiously made her way toward the group, her eyes fixed on the person of interest.
“Are you Dr. Fraser?” she asked eagerly. “Yes, I am,” he replied with cheerful curiosity.
Kendra’s heart raced as tears began to well in her eyes.
The last time she had seen Dr. Fraser, he was holding her infant daughter during a postoperative visit. That was 21 years ago.
“My name is Kendra Hammond, and you performed open heart surgery on my daughter,” she said, her voice rife with emotion.
Observing Kendra’s reaction, Dr. Fraser gently placed his arm over her shoulders, offering comfort as she gathered her thoughts to continue.
“My husband and I were so scared at the time, but you assured us that everything was going to turn out okay, that Hailey would have no limitations and would live a normal life.”
Hailey was born six weeks premature and was found to have a complete atrio-ventricular septal defect—a large hole in her heart. Additionally, prior to Hailey’s birth, Kendra was told she wouldn’t be able to have children, so the thought of losing her child exacerbated the fear.
As Kendra relived the experience, emotions ran high among all those in the group.
“I want you to know that everything you said turned out just as you expected,” Kendra shared. “Hailey hasn’t needed any additional surgeries or medications. In fact, she was involved in competitive cheerleading and softball for many years, and she recently became a mother herself.”
Kendra then shared something extraordinary. That very day, she happened to have the photograph of Dr. Fraser holding Hailey as a baby 21 years ago.
Without hesitation, Dr. Fraser asked if he could see the photograph.
Kendra quickly displayed the picture on her computer screen, and with smiles all around, she and Dr. Fraser took a new photo together, the old photograph visible on the screen behind them.
“Hearing stories like this is always a powerful reminder of why we physicians do what we do,” Dr. Fraser remarked. “Part of our calling is to remember the immense privilege it is to be trusted by our patients and their families, often during their most vulnerable moments, to provide comfort and healing.”
A distinguished UTMB alumnus (SOM ’84), Dr. Fraser is widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost pediatric and congenital heart surgeons. His exceptional technical proficiency and pioneering research efforts, coupled with his staunch dedication to the field, have led to numerous innovations and clinical programs that have impacted countless individuals.
Currently, Dr. Fraser serves as chair of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Dell Medical School in his hometown of Austin, Texas. He also leads the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease and the Institute for Cardiovascular Health.
Reflecting on why he chose pediatric cardiovascular surgery, Dr. Fraser credits his experiences as a UTMB medical student.
“During those years, I was exposed to many inspiring cases and mentors who provided me with undeniably formative learning opportunities,” he said. “However, seeing the magic of children when it comes to healing and affecting the entirety of life simply captivated me.”
Dr. Fraser still keeps in contact with several UTMB faculty members, including Drs. Courtney M. Townsend, Jr. and Vincent Conti. And as president-elect of the Texas Surgical Society (TSS), he often visits with his former professors at meetings.
“It’s humbling to stand at the TSS podium and see a number of my former professors in the group,” Dr. Fraser said. “These individuals have influenced generations of physicians, including myself, through their extraordinary commitment to the art and science of healing and education.”
Although it has been four decades since Dr. Fraser walked across the stage to receive his diploma from UTMB, his connection to his alma mater has only strengthened.
“The impact of UTMB on medicine is profound,” Dr. Fraser remarked. “It wasn’t until after I graduated and began my career that I came to truly feel and appreciate the depth of its history and legacy, and I consider it a solemn privilege to be a part of it.”
For Kendra, reconnecting with Dr. Fraser was an unforgettable moment—a chance to personally thank the physician who supported her family during one of their most trying seasons.
“I was so thankful for the opportunity to just tell him thank you for giving us hope in a very difficult time,” Kendra said, “and for helping give our daughter the chance to live a happy, healthy life.”
For Dr. Fraser, the encounter was equally moving—a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of his work and the privilege of serving patients and their families during life’s most critical moments.
“Most often, I hear about the long-term outcomes of my patients through notes and cards, which is always deeply moving,” Dr. Fraser remarked. “But to experience it in person was uniquely humbling.”
Although Kendra and Dr. Fraser’s unexpected encounter lasted for just a moment that day, it is clear that the gratitude and joy they shared is poised to resonate in their hearts for years to come.