Nate's heart  journey began 14 years ago when he was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. When he was just 5 days old he was life flighted from Saginaw, MI to U of M Mott Children’s Hospital. Over the past 14 years Nathan has had 6 open heart surgeries, a pacemaker and a tricuspid valve replacement at both U of M and Children’s Hospital in Peoria, IL. Each surgery was required to help his heart as he would grow. We knew that eventually Nate would need a new heart. That is where we are at today.

We talked to Nate about getting a new heart and involved him in the discussion. While he did have questions, the most important one to him. “Will I be able to run and play ball like the rest of the kids?” They told him that was the goal with a transplant and Nate was excited for the opportunity. Anyone who knows Nathan will tell you he has never complained about his heart. If asked how he is doing, his response is always “pretty good.”

We got the call! Nathan was getting a new heart! We immediately started our 2 1/2 hour drive to St. Louis. So many thoughts, thinking about how life changing this will be for Nate. Also thinking about the donor and their family. So many emotions, so much happening. The day we have been waiting for has arrived.

Since the surgery on November 9, 2016 there have been many ups and downs, we take a few steps forward and a step back. Slow and steady will get us there. Nathan's younger brother Zach doesn’t want to leave his older brother until he gets better. Those two have a special bond between them. We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of you, our prayer warriors!

We have created this page to help reduce the stress on his parents Jim and Karen Wells.  They anticipate being in St. Louis another 2-3 weeks. If you could help them out they would be so grateful. More importantly your continued support through your prayers is very much appreciated.

#natestrong