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Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Club Run and Walk
The CDC says one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. One Milwaukee County family knows the heartbreak connected to the numbers, and they’re turning their pain into purpose.
WAUWATOSA, Wis. - Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
The CDC says one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
One Milwaukee County family knows the heartbreak connected to the numbers, and they’re turning their pain into purpose.
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Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Run/Walk
Runners were off on Saturday morning, Feb. 8, and there’s a reason behind every step and stride at Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa.
"A lot of these people are repeats. They come back year after year because they know what the cause is, and it’s an important thing to them to be here to support it," said Gael Cullen.
It's the 29th annual Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Club run and walk.
"We lost him very suddenly. And it was very, very difficult," said Gael.
Honoring Steve Cullen
The backstory:
In 1995, just a few days after running a marathon, Steve Cullen, a former Milwaukee alderman, suffered a heart attack and died.
Steve Cullen
The 40-year-old left behind his wife Gael and four daughters.
"It kind of turns the hard part of losing Steve into a positive because he died of heart disease," said Gael.
Funding research
Why you should care:
The event helps fund innovative heart research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"We’ve got another Cullen scholar, the previous one, who is finding out ways to regenerate heart tissue," said Gael.
The CDC says in 2022, nearly 703,000 people died from heart disease in the U.S.
The CDC says by living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack.
Taking a look at the heart
"We need to bring awareness to heart health," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
"A lot of people have cardiovascular problems. Regular aerobic exercise is good for your heart and good for your body," said Molly Woodford.
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Over the years, the run has helped raise more than $600,000. It’s just one way Steve Cullen’s legacy lives on.
"My grandchildren, who never met their grandpa. They know this is grandpa Steve’s run," added Gael.
Runners and walkers of all ages hope this race makes a difference in the world of medicine.
Organizers have already confirmed they have the funds for a 30th anniversary run next year.
The Source: FOX6 went to the Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Club run and walk and spoke to those taking part.