Hey there! I’m thrilled you’re here to dive into the story behind HeartWorks and our mission. As the co-founder and CEO, I’m deeply committed to supporting families affected by congenital heart disease (CHD). The team, a dynamic ‘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.

Our journey began and continues at the Mayo Clinic with the Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and has since expanded into the HLHS Consortium, encompassing 11 children’s hospitals across North America. Now, we’re taking another leap with the HeartWorks platform. This innovative platform is a synergy of CHD families, academic institutions, technology partners, and impact philanthropy, all working together to design, build, and deliver groundbreaking therapeutics, offering new hope to CHD families.

I’m a firm believer in the power of impact philanthropy as a catalyst for transforming healthcare from merely treating sickness to promoting wellness. It’s crucial for assembling and empowering teams capable of tackling the most significant challenges in healthcare. However, relying solely on grand philanthropic gestures isn’t enough. We need actionable strategies that match the urgency of the families we serve today.

The two challenges that occupy my thoughts daily are the inefficiencies of the healthcare system and the disconnection within the philanthropic community. I’m convinced that initiatives like HeartWorks can be the solution to both.

On a personal note, I’m a proud father of two incredible teenage boys, a joy made possible by an amazing wife of 23 years. Our family loves to immerse ourselves in the great outdoors, whether that’s on lakes, in the mountains, biking, skiing, snowboarding, or embarking on nature adventures. It’s in these moments of exploration and connection that I find my greatest inspiration.

Timothy J. Nelson, MD, PhD

Stem Cell Breakthroughs In Congenital Heart Repair