HeartWorks

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HeartWorks HeartWorks is a nonprofit creating outcomes & opportunities for the 1 in 100 born with CHD. Together, we're building a better future for CHD.

We advance research, lead clinical trials, and offer ways to support our mission. Together, WE BUILD HEARTS. HeartWorks was created in June, 2020 to accelerate and expand the product development pioneered by the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), founded at Mayo Clinic in 2010. The HLHS program has formed a nationwide research consortium and developed cell-based therapeutics to treat CHD, some of which are currently in clinical trials. The HLHS program’s team of physicians, scientists, and engineers have a combined average of nearly 30 years of experience across their respective disciplines and have focused this expertise on treatments for the most severe forms of CHD, thereby furthering advanced research in genetics, stem cell biology, clinical trials, and cell-based manufacturing. The team developed a platform that enables multiple cell-based clinical trials to be conducted simultaneously in collaboration with a consortium of world class medical institutions. HeartWorks will expand the HLHS program product pipeline and grow its ecosystem of partners to scale up development of new CHD therapies, clinical trials, and product launches. Our ecosystem is a critical component of our success. All of our partners believe in and actively support our vision of transformative product development for the CHD community. We will engender trust with our benefactors, CHD children and families, and partner institutions by sharing data and outcomes at a level not possible before within individual institutions. We will share our successes together.

10/14/2026

Congratulations to Edward and Denise Jones! Thanks to them, the newest HeartWorks robot will be named Bella, in honor of their granddaughter, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
Her name will be a permanent part of the innovation and research helping drive new therapies and brighter futures for children born with congenital heart disease.
Keep an eye out to learn more about Ed and Denise and their special connection to HeartWorks!

Three months left in 2026. We plan to make them count.We set big goals for this year, and we’re not done yet. Over the n...
10/07/2026

Three months left in 2026. We plan to make them count.

We set big goals for this year, and we’re not done yet. Over the next three months, our team will keep pushing to turn the momentum we’ve built into meaningful progress for the 1 in 100.

At the end of the year, we’ll share where we landed - what we accomplished, where we fell short and what comes next.

Transparency and dedication are two things you can always expect from HeartWorks.

For now, there’s work to do. Let’s finish 2026 strong. 💪♥️

10/02/2026

Montana Brave Hearts, what an incredible force you are! It is an honor to be on this journey with you and your families. Thank you for your partnership and your trust! Your commitment to CHD Innovation at HeartWorks will change lives!

💙 Drop a heart in the comments if you love someone with a heart defect.Today is World Heart Day, and we’re using it to s...
09/29/2026

💙 Drop a heart in the comments if you love someone with a heart defect.

Today is World Heart Day, and we’re using it to shine a light on the 1 in 100.

Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 babies born. For many, it’s a lifelong journey and it’s the reason HeartWorks exists.

We’re building a platform focused entirely on CHD, bringing together research, manufacturing, technology and the heart community to develop new possibilities for people born with heart defects.

So today, let’s see just how big this community is.

CongenitalHeartDisease

09/29/2026

Today is World Heart Day. For the CHD community, heart awareness has a name, a face and a story.

We created this reel for YOU to share. Save the reel, add your heart warrior’s name to the blank space using the text tool, then share it to your story or feed. Tag HeartWorks so we can see who you’re celebrating!

When you share, ask your friends and family to help support HeartWorks by sharing, donating or visiting our website to learn more about the work happening for the 1 in 100.

Let’s fill some feeds with the names behind our mission this World Heart Day.

Thank you for helping us spread CHD awareness!

HeartWarrior

09/22/2026

Keeping it cool is part of the process. ❄️🧬

What you see here is our team working with cryopreserved cells stored at nearly -320°F (-196°C).

At key points in the manufacturing process, cells are frozen and stored at ultra-low temperatures. This essentially puts cellular activity on pause, helping preserve the cells and maintain their quality and viability until they’re needed for the next step.

From growing and feeding cells to freezing, storing and eventually thawing them, every step is carefully controlled.

Just another part of the rhythm of building hearts.

WEBUILDHEARTS.ORG

For the 1 in 100, we give 100%Behind the science happening in our labs is a very real reason for doing it: people born w...
09/18/2026

For the 1 in 100, we give 100%

Behind the science happening in our labs is a very real reason for doing it: people born with congenital heart disease who deserve more options for their future.

WEBUILDHEARTS.ORG

Morning Momentum ☀️
09/16/2026

Morning Momentum ☀️

09/15/2026

Today is the LAST DAY to place a bid for the rights to name our new 6-axis robot through our silent auction, which closes at 6:00PM CT tonight, Sept 15. The winning bid will choose the robot’s name, which will be permanently displayed in our lab and used in our social media content.

All proceeds will help advance CHD research, innovation, and care.

Place your bid using the link in our bio!

09/14/2026

Only one day left to place a bid for the rights to name our new 6-axis robot through our silent auction, which is LIVE until Tuesday, Sept 15, at 6:00PM CT. The winning bid will choose the robot’s name, which will be permanently displayed in our lab and used in our social media content.

All proceeds will help advance CHD research, innovation, and care.

Place your bid using the link in our bio!

Address

3449 Sky Park Boulevard
Rochester, MN
54701

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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