What happens when a Fontan patient’s ejection fraction dips too low? Can a person’s heart damage be reversed? Is there hope for a cure for congenital heart defects?

Brenton Ball was born in 1990. He was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or HLHS and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa in his first week of life. He has had several heart surgeries including a pulmonary artery banding, hemi-Fontan, and completion Fontan. He's had many stents put in, a pacemaker, and two ICDs.

Brenton has been married to his wife Kelsey for 5 years. They live in Iowa with their pet rabbit McBoon, a gift from Brenton’s sister last summer. They live close to their families and are a loving uncle and aunt to their four nephews and one niece. Brenton works part-time as a hotel desk clerk and enjoys reading and spending time with his family.


In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Brenton shares with Anna what his medical journey entailed, how he came to take part in a revolutionary, new medical procedure using stem cells, and how he endured having COVID-19.

Helpful links:

Heartworks: https://www.heartworksinc.org/products-1

The Use of Stem Cells in Treatment for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): https://www.spreaker.com/user/7668348/2022timothynelsontrack1auphonic_3

Advancements in Stem Cell Therapies and Research for HLHS Heart Warriors
https://www.spreaker.com/user/7668348/advancements-in-stem-cell-therapies-and-

Stem Cells for an HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome) Heart
https://www.spreaker.com/user/7668348/stem-cells-for-hlhs-heart-revised

Please visit our Social Media and Podcast pages:

Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-anna/id1132261435?mt=2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hearttoheartwithanna/
MeWe: https://mewe.com/i/annajaworski
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaJaworski
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPKwIU5M_YOxvtWepFR5Zw

Website: https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/

If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/HeartToHeart