The Wendy Fund

for the support of the Clinical Cardiology Research Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas

Located on the top floor of Baylor's Barnett Tower, the Clinical Cardiology Research Center has been conducting clinical drug trials and research studies since 1987, initially specializing in cholesterol and lipids studies.  In 1997 the name was changed from the Atherosclerosis and Lipid Metabolism Unit in recognition of its expansion to other original and sponsored studies in more areas of cardiology and hypertension.  During the past fourteen years, the CCRC has completed more than thirty-five separate research studies and clinical trials involving more than 1000 qualified individuals who were screened from thousands of Baylor patients and community applicants.  The center currently administers fifteen active studies in cardiology and two active gastrointerology studies as a research consultant/administrator.

Areas of study have included treatment of high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, heart attacks, congestive heart failure (also called having fluid around the heart), rhythm problems of the heart, or blockages in heart arteries.  Medications have been studied as well as surgical devices and device-aided surgeries.

As a stand-alone department of the Baylor Research Institute, the CCRC has been more than 90% self supporting for the past fourteen years. Its outside funding has come from well-known organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Parke-Davis and Merck.  The center has also received funding from smaller health and device companies such as Scios Inc. and Intuitive Surgical, Inc.  The remaining 10% come from Baylor Research Institute grants and individual donations such as the Wendy Fund .

The CCRC performs many valuable functions.  The facility tests new medications and devices with the potential to be better than currently available medications and devices.  CCRC studies have generally provided early access to these modalities for Baylor patients, at no cost.  On the other hand, other studies compare and contrast currently available therapies to determine if some are better than others, and CCRC provides those current therapies at no charge.

In addition to advancing scientific knowledge, the work of the CCRC helps bring medical care to some individuals who, for a variety of reasons, may not be receiving the best care possible for their medical problems. 

Wendy was part of the 2/10's of 1% of the US population suffering from familial hypercholesterolemia and benefited from treatments studied by CCRC.  Beth Soltero is currently the administrative director of the CCRC.  Visit her web site for more information.

Tax-deductible donations be made in Wendy's name to the CCRC.  Checks may be made to the "Wendy Fund at Baylor Foundation" and sent to:

The Baylor Foundation

3600 Gaston, Suite 100

Dallas, TX 75246