Our work is more than just medical innovation; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the heart community.
By advancing cutting-edge treatments and providing vital support, HeartWorks helps create lasting memories and enhance the quality of life for those affected by congenital heart defects.
Overcoming Ebstein's Anomaly: A Journey of Resilience and Medical Breakthroughs
Read Full StoryLiving with Half a Heart: Lauren’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Joy
Read Full StoryCora's Courageous Journey: Overcoming Complex Heart Surgeries
Read Full StoryLuke's Journey: From Heart Surgery at 4 Months to a Thriving, Energetic Life on the Farm
Read Full StoryMeagan's Journey: Overcoming HLHS and Embracing a Fulfilling Life
Read Full StoryFrom a Complex Diagnosis in Germany to a Full Life Near Barcelona
Read Full StoryMy very favorite thing about Griffin is how silly he is.
Read Full StoryOne of our favorite memories this year was her first day of kindergarten!
Read Full StoryOne of my favorite memories with Levi was the very first time they put him in his tumble form chair.
Read Full StoryOne of my favorite memories was when we got Marshyl his gator for his birthday.
Read Full StoryMy favorite memory of Abby after heart surgery was watching her mall walk for exercise one week after surgery.
Read Full StoryEvit’s heart defect is considered one of the most severe. but he’s here fighting.
This community is stronger together [and we] can do hard things!
At HeartWorks, we develop therapies that use a person’s cells to enhance their existing heart muscle or grow new beating heart muscle.
HeartWorks has designed a first-of-its-kind platform that brings together physicians, scientists, and engineers to find and develop treatments for the most severe forms of CHD. Therefore, advancing the research in genetics, stem cell biology, clinical trials, and cell-based manufacturing.
HeartWorks has the brightest minds building hearts to cure CHD. We operate independently and work collaboratively allowing us to move the best ideas forward efficiently and effectively.
The HeartWorks Team of Teams is driven by the urgent needs of CHD families and is relentlessly pursuing transformative outcomes. We’re undaunted by challenges, dedicated to creating a self-reliant ecosystem, and united by our shared mission to conquer congenital heart defects.
HeartWorks is a 501(c)(3) organization established in June 2020 to further the product development initiated by the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which was founded at the Mayo Clinic in 2010.
Our vision is to transform our therapies into a cure, so that children and adults born with congenital heart disease (CHD) no longer have to live with its challenges.
HeartWorks is the only clinical platform accelerating the best ideas to cure CHD.
Our therapies utilize a person’s own cells to strengthen their existing heart muscle or generate new beating heart tissue.
For instance, our manufacturing team is actively processing skin samples and converting them into beating cardiac cells for future therapeutic applications.
Explore our clinical trials and contribute to the development of new ones by becoming a member of The Co-op at HeartWorks.