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 nearly $800,000!

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 2026/27 Scholar is Elizabeth Sweeny, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Dr. Sweeny is conducting very promising research focusing on the development of new therapeutics for patients with chamber-specific cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Sweeny joins John  Auchampach, PhD, the 2025 Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Scholar as well as our other distinguished Scholars:  Dr. Ben Gantner, 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 2023, 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!

Three generations of the Cullen family and Race Director Barry Thrune present the 2026 donation of $50,000 to Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center Director Dr. Michael Widlansky.