The Strauss Wilson Cardiomyopathy Center was established by Steven M. Strauss and Lise N. Wilson, who donated $3.25 million to UC San Diego in 2021. The couple then initiated a match to raise an additional $1.75 million, with a goal of $5 million to support the new center. Together with the generous support of the philanthropic community, their challenge was successfully met in late 2023.
The center supports clinical research, clinical trials, pilot projects, translational research and research infrastructure. Directed by Eric Adler, MD, professor of medicine and the Czarina and Humberto S. Lopez Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Cardiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, it is the region’s first dedicated center for cardiomyopathy. Upon making their gift, Strauss shared, “Lise and I felt it was important to establish a cardiomyopathy center at UC San Diego to support Dr. Adler’s research and redefine the treatment for this little-known, and potentially deadly, heart disease.”
With a commitment to providing world-class care in a diverse and inclusive environment, the center develops critical insights into the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy; restores the health and well being of those with heart failure; and educates future generations of clinicians and scientists.
Fulfilling its mission of restoring health and well-being to those with heart failure is of particular importance to Strauss, a partner at the law firm Cooley LLP. In 2011, he collapsed while exercising in his home and was rushed by paramedics to the hospital. He was ultimately diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by a thickening of the muscles in the heart and can disrupt its electrical rhythm, causing sudden death. Often undiagnosed, it is estimated that as many as one in 200 people in the U.S. have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the Strauss family is committed to raising awareness of the condition by supporting leading-edge treatment and research.
“Early detection is critical because once someone knows they have it, there are treatments to help address it,” said Strauss. Endowed funds provide essential resources for this work, fueling cardiomyopathy research for better treatments, diagnosis and prevention of the condition.
“Lise and I felt it was important to establish a cardiomyopathy center at UC San Diego to support Dr. Adler’s research and redefine the treatment for this little-known, and potentially deadly, heart disease.”
