HeartWorks began with a family determined to change what was possible for people born with congenital heart disease.

Inspired by their daughter Gabrielle’s journey with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), Todd and Karen Wanek made a bold commitment to advancing new solutions for CHD. In 2010, they began investing in groundbreaking research focused on regenerative medicine and the potential to repair and rebuild the heart.

Over the next decade, that work helped establish the scientific foundation, technology, and expertise needed to move beyond discovery and toward treatments for patients.

In 2020, HeartWorks was created to take that vision further – bringing scientists, physicians, engineers, manufacturing experts, and families together with one singular focus: changing the future of congenital heart disease.

What began with one family asking what more could be done has grown into an organization building new possibilities for the 1 in 100 born with CHD.

• Our Purpose is to spark bold innovation that transforms our broken healthcare system into one that truly heals.

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• Our Mission is to find cures for congenital heart defects and change lives.

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• Our Vision is a future where people with CHD thrive, with a focus on lasting health and longevity, not just short-term fixes.