Your participation supports world-renowned heart research at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Cardiovascular Center. Every dollar raised goes directly to the cause. To date, the Cullen Run/Walk has donated more than $710,000!

Starting in 2015, proceeds from the run/walk began funding an annual $50,000 Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Scholar Award. This award honors a Medical College of Wisconsin scientist involved in cutting-edge cardiovascular research, once again placing the money raised directly in the laboratory, where we can make the greatest difference!

Our 2025/26 Scholar is John Auchampach, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Dr. Auchampach is conducting very promising research focusing on the role of a protein called Tip60 in heart muscle regeneration that could be an important target to improve the lives of patients with heart failure and those who have suffered heart attacks.

Dr. Auchampach joins Ben Gantner, PhD, the 2024 Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Scholar as well as our other distinguished Scholars:  Dr. Caitlin O’Meara, Dr. Ze Zheng, Dr. Allison Kriegel, Dr. Julie Freed, Dr. Andrew Greene, Dr. Peter Frommelt and Dr. Aron Guerts, who received the Cullen award in 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Begun in 1997, the Run/Walk is held in memory of former Badgerland Strider and Milwaukee Alderman Steve Cullen who died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 40. Steve’s passion and drive continue to inspire this event and he will be forever missed.
Boost your contribution to the fight against heart disease by donating here, OR create your own fundraisng page! Check out our Facebook page to see how!

The Cullen family and race committee present the 2025 donation of $50,000 to Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center Director Dr. Michael Widlansky.