Our Impact
Research, fundraising and awareness are the pillars of our organization.
Learn more about what we’ve accomplished so far.
jump to: Research & Projects • Partnerships • Fundraising • Community Awareness • Giving Thanks
Research and Projects
"Bubaloo" Developmental Kits
Through the support of Project Bubaloo, physical and occupational therapists at Children’s Wisconsin developed evidence-based “Bubaloo” Development Kits, now available in every room of the Cardiac ICU. Infants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for developmental delays, particularly following prolonged hospitalizations early in life. Each kit contains carefully selected, evidence-based tools and educational resources designed to help parents promote their child’s motor, cognitive, and sensory development while in the hospital and after discharge.
Project Bubaloo Research Grants
Annually, medical professionals are invited to submit abstracts for funding consideration by Project Bubaloo’s Research Grant Committee. Learn more about our past grant recipients.
Elemeno at Children’s Wisconsin
At the end of 2023, Project Bubaloo funded a new, bedside education tool, Elemeno, at Children's Wisconsin on West 3. Elemeno is a digital tool that is a resource available to staff on their phones, iPads, in-room computers, and other computers on the unit. When the tool launched, it made available bedside education for Norwood Pathway Guidance, CVAD – Small French Catheter Dressing Change Guidance, Orientee and Preceptor Resources, Chest Tube Management, and Remodulin Pump.
Partnerships
Children’s Wisconsin
Weston Kayne Pangborn Research Endowment
When our Director of Apparel, Sam, joined the Project Bubaloo team, it was her dream to create a lasting tribute to honor her son, Weston, who passed away from congenital heart disease (CHD). In 2025, Project Bubaloo established the Weston Kayne Pangborn Research Endowment at Children’s Wisconsin in honor of Weston and his family, who continue to advocate and fight in his memory. The endowment provides perpetual support for CHD research at the hospital where Weston spent his life, ensuring that his legacy lives on and that his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
George Hoffman Lectureship for Cardiac Anesthesia and Cardiac Critical Care
Project Bubaloo partnered with other regional nonprofit organizations to establish the Dr. George Hoffman Lectureship Endowment at Children’s Wisconsin. The endowment provides ongoing funding for an annual Cardiac Anesthesia and Critical Care Lectureship, bringing world-renowned experts to Children’s Wisconsin to share the latest evidence, innovations, and best practices with healthcare providers. This investment supports continuing education and helps ensure the highest quality of care for children with congenital and acquired heart disease.
HeartWorks
Founded by Todd and Karen Wanek, HeartWorks is a nonprofit dedicated to curing CHD. Over the last four years Project Bubaloo has dedicated a percentage of its donated dollars to supporting their clinical trial Bioengineered Cardiac Tissue Phase/First in Human. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and safety for autologous (from your own body) skin cells that are manufactured into stem cells of cardiac lineage to be delivered into the heart muscle to determine if those stem cells will strengthen the heart muscle and can be used as an additional treatment for the management of CHD.
100th Heart Coalition
Founded in 2026, Every 100th Heart is a national coalition dedicated to advancing CHD advocacy through a unified voice. In May 2026, Project Bubaloo joined the coalition, and its president, Callie Chiroff, traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the inaugural advocacy summit on Capitol Hill.
The coalition’s policy priorities include expanding insurance coverage and access to care for individuals with CHD, increasing federal funding for CHD research, advancing innovative treatments, and ensuring equitable access to heart transplantation for patients with complex CHD.
Project Bubaloo is committed to continuing its membership in Every 100th Heart and expanding advocacy efforts throughout the Midwest by engaging policymakers, strengthening partnerships, and amplifying the voices of individuals and families affected by CHD.
Fundraising
Hops for Hearts
Hops for Hearts is Project Bubaloo’s signature event, taking place each spring and bringing the Wisconsin community together over local craft brews and complementary food pairings. Hops for Hearts has raised significant funds to support CHD research, education, and awareness. Learn more about the event and get your tickets here >
Project Bubaloo Golf Outing
The Project Bubaloo Golf Outing will takes place each Fall where golfers tee off to support the Project Bubaloo Research Fund while enjoying contests, lunch, dinner, and so much more. Learn more about the event and how to get signed up here >
The Ultimate Heart Race Fun Run/Walk
The Ultimate Heart Race was a family-friendly 5K Fun Run/Walk that brought our community together for a morning of movement, fun, and fundraising in support of congenital heart disease (CHD) research. With food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, music, and activities for all ages, the event created meaningful opportunities for families and supporters to connect while making a difference. Although we no longer host the Ultimate Heart Race, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and donated over the years.
Community Awareness
Weinstein Conference
In Spring 2025, Project Bubaloo President Callie Chiroff was invited to speak at the Weinstein Cardiovascular Development & Regeneration Conference, offering a unique perspective on the patient and family experience—what she described as the "other side of the bench." During her presentation, she shared Theo's story and discussed how his legacy inspired the creation of Project Bubaloo, highlighting the organization's ongoing commitment to advancing congenital heart disease research and supporting scientific innovation.
The Weinstein Cardiovascular Development & Regeneration Conference is a premier annual gathering of scientists, clinicians, and geneticists dedicated to advancing knowledge in cardiovascular embryology, congenital heart disease, and regenerative medicine. Speaking at this conference provided an opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and the families they serve, reinforcing the importance of patient-centered research and advocacy.
Interviews & Articles
Throughout the year, the Project Bubaloo team regularly partners with local media outlets to increase public awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD) and promote community engagement through fundraising and educational initiatives. Team members have appeared on numerous television and media programs, including The Public Affairs Show with Alley Faith and The Morning Blend, to share information about congenital heart disease, highlight Project Bubaloo's mission, and encourage community participation in events that support research, advocacy, and family resources.
Giving Thanks
Nurses Week
To show our gratitude for the nurses who provide care to those with CHD in our community, we partner with WKP Apparel to provide Project Bubaloo swag to Children’s Wisconsin each year.
