Born with a complex heart condition, Trever has spent 22 years proving that a diagnosis doesn't define his life
When Trever Stockwell talks about his favorite things, he doesn’t start with hospitals or surgeries. He talks about fishing with his dad. Camping. Bonfires with friends and neighbors. Riding four-wheelers and making handmade keychains.
It’s the kind of life his parents hoped he would have, even after learning that he was born with a rare and complex heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS.
A frightening start
Shortly after Trever was born at a hospital in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, his older sister noticed something wasn’t right. Her baby brother was turning purple and blue. Her observation set off a chain of events that would ultimately save his life.
Trever was first flown to Duluth and then to Children’s Minnesota in Minneapolis, where the pediatric cardiovascular team confirmed he had HLHS. It’s a type of congenital heart disease where the heart didn’t grow the way it should. Because of this, Trever’s heart had trouble pumping blood to the rest of his body.
At just 5 days old, he underwent his first open-heart surgery. It was the first of three surgeries he would have in his first years of life to rebuild his heart.
For Trever’s father, Tyson, those early days are ones he’ll never forget.
“We went from thinking we were taking our baby home to being told he needed to get to Children’s Minnesota as fast as possible,” Tyson recalled. “Everything happened so quickly, but we knew we were where he needed to be.”
Finding his own path
Over the years, Trever became a familiar face at Children’s Minnesota.
Throughout childhood and into adulthood, the Children’s Minnesota cardiovascular team monitored Trever. His care included heart procedures, regular checkups and specialized care for congenital heart disease.
As Trever grew up, Tyson worked hard to make sure his son’s diagnosis didn’t define him. The two spent time fishing, camping and enjoying the outdoors together.
“Trever’s story shows what is possible when children with complex heart conditions receive specialized care throughout their lives,” said David Gremmels, MD, chief of cardiology at Children’s Minnesota. “What stands out most is his resilience and positive attitude. Even during difficult moments, he continues to focus on the things he loves and the people around him.”
Facing a new challenge
In 2026, Trever faced one of the biggest health challenges of his life.
For weeks, he was dealing with severe coughing and illness. Despite multiple trips to his local hospital, the cause was hard to figure out. Finally, he and his family insisted on getting the opinion of Trever’s cardiovascular specialists at Children’s Minnesota.
Within minutes of Children’s Minnesota becoming involved, plans were made to fly him to Minneapolis where the care team discovered significant fluid around his lungs and concerns about how well his heart was pumping.
His hospital stay stretched for nearly two months and included an E. coli infection that led to septic shock, a dangerous condition that happens when the body has a severe response to an infection.
Throughout it all, Trever says he never doubted the team caring for him.
Trever and Tyson point to doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and child life specialists who have supported them throughout every up and down.
“The care has been exceptional,” he said. “I trust everyone at Children’s Minnesota.”
Trever found his own way to show his appreciation.
During his recent hospital stay, bags of colorful beads often filled his room. Over the years, he taught himself how to create detailed beadwork and handmade keychains. He made personalized keychains for many nurses and other members of his care team.
Looking ahead with hope
Trever’s care team is now working closely with specialists as he transitions to adult care for his heart. While a heart transplant may someday be necessary, the current goal is to help his heart function as long as possible while maintaining his quality of life.
Trever knows the future may bring new challenges.
But he remains focused on the things that matter most: family, friends and making the most of every day.
His message to other families facing a congenital heart disease diagnosis is simple: “Let them explore. Let them try things. Let them enjoy life.”
His father agrees.
“When Trever was born, we didn’t know what his future would look like,” Tyson said. “Now we look at everything he’s done. He’s working, helping others, building things and spending time outdoors. We’re proud of the person he’s become.”
For Trever, that’s exactly what life is about: making the most of every day.
