Natalie's Everyday Heroes: Komen Big Wigs join friendly competition to fight breast cancer

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- It's a sure sign spring has sprung.

No, not the birds returning or the grass getting greener.

We're talking about people around town wearing pink wigs. Every spring, Komen Wisconsin holds its Big Wigs campaign, raising money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

"Employee of the month, every month," laughed Kyle Ciske, co-owner at Ope! Brewing Company.

Brewski is a dog who's hard to miss.

"Brewski's about 120 lbs. He's a Swiss mountain dog mixed with a Beauceron," Ciske said.

But this month, it's not just his size that's making him stand out.

"Can you shake? Shake," Brewski is politely asked.

He's wearing a pink wig for Komen Wisconsin's Big Wigs campaign. Ciske says Brewski is a natural conversation starter.

"Seeing Brewski in the pink wig gets a lot of laughs and gets a lot of attention, for sure," he said.

Meanwhile, fellow Big Wig Elizabeth Kay is talking about the Big Wigs campaign on her show, Elizabeth and Radar, on 99.1 The Mix.

"Every single time we talk about this on my radio show, I receive messages every time from women, saying I need to schedule my mammogram," Kay said.

It's a cause close to her heart.

"In the last five years, four women in my family have been diagnosed with breast cancer," she said.

Kay got tested and found she's a carrier of the BRCA2 gene.

CBS 58 talked to her in 2023 after she had a preventative bilateral mastectomy because her cancer risk was so high.

"It has really impacted our family greatly. And part of the reason I speak publicly about this is because I'm a firm believer that this information is lifesaving," Kay said.

"I wanted something kind of chic," said fellow Big Wig, Shironda Goree.

Goree's connection is also personal. Her mother died of breast cancer 21 years ago. She was diagnosed four years ago.

"My antennas were up. And it's kind of like, oh my gosh, because my mom was young. And it was like, this can happen to any of us," she said she realized.

You can see signs of the Big Wigs all over town. Tosa Dental is decorated. And there are 12 Big Wigs in all.

A friendly competition with a big impact.

"I've had a lot of people who were like, I'm scared to get a mammogram. And I'm like, it's okay," Goree said.

"What it reminds me of is how powerful it is to talk," Kay added.

The Biggest Wig will be crowned at Komen's Sneakers and Pearls gala on Friday, April 11. You can find more information and how to donate by clicking here. 

If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].