News Article

Two sisters. Two heart transplants. One incredible journey of courage and healing.

Two sisters. Two heart transplants. One incredible journey of courage and healing.

We're pleased to share an update on two incredibly brave patients, sisters Harper and Heidi Gaffney, whose inspiring story recently appeared in People Magazine. Within six weeks of each other, both received heart transplants performed by Dr. Charles D. Fraser Jr., Chief of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.

Dell Children's expertise and compassion were evident throughout the sisters' care journey, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. By performing advanced procedures such as LVAD implantation and life-saving heart transplants, the sisters are now able to move forward with their daily lives. 

Harper is a high school freshman and her sister Heidi is a freshman at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Heidi is pursuing a degree in pediatric cardiology nursing and aspires to one day work at Dell Children’s. We are incredibly proud of the Gaffney sisters as they continue on their academic journeys and inspire others facing difficult health challenges.

“I can be the person who understands other kids. I can show them, ‘I have a scar too. You’re not alone.’”

— Heidi Gaffney


Read their story in People Magazine

Recent Texas News
Dell Children’s Medical Center named the National Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year
News Articles

Dell Children’s Medical Center named the National Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year

Dell Children’s Medical Center was named National Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year for its leadership and commitment to safety.
Ascension Seton Hays Announces Megan Drake as New President of Hospital
News Articles

Ascension Seton Hays Announces Megan Drake as New President of Hospital

Megan Drake has been named president of Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle, Texas, which includes Ascension Seton Bastrop.
Ascension Seton Hays Hosts 2026 Baby Fair
News Articles

Ascension Seton Hays Hosts 2026 Baby Fair

Ascension Seton Hays was honored to host our annual Baby Fair this month.