By Rolando Kahn, Special to OnMilwaukee.com   Published Sep 17, 2013 at 10:04 AM

Just around off Wells Street, there is a lone statue on Milwaukee’s RiverWalk. He stands sturdily, grinning at you with his hands held in front, offering a double thumbs-up. He is known by everyone as the Bronze Fonz, a depiction of the iconic character from the TV show "Happy Days."

Originally unveiled in August 2008, Fonz has been an attraction for Milwaukee locals as well as visitors since his arrival. Today, however, Fonz has a new task.

He is ready to spread the word about the Komen Southeast Wisconsin Race for the Cure. Kohl’s Cares and Susan G. Komen have joined forces to spread awareness about women’s breast cancer, and have enlisted Fonz as an ally.

Yesterday, Sept. 16, Fonz was adorned with a bright pink cape to remind everyone that they too can be a hero by supporting the fight against women’s breast cancer. Fonz and some of his fellow Milwaukee statues have been recruited to wear these brilliantly pink capes for the entire week leading up to the race.

Two breast cancer survivors attended Fonz’s caping ceremony, Minerva Cornejo and Julie Karpinski. Both are strong advocates for education and early detection of the disease, and have been working diligently with Komen to spread awareness. Cornejo says she is strongly motivated to work with the Latino women population and get them the education and support they need. Karpinski says she is happy to lend a hand and give her support to those affected by the disease.

Although breast cancer is a dangerous disease, Kohl’s and Komen, by caping these iconic Milwaukee statues, remind residents of the city that they can make a difference and be a hero, even if they don’t have their own cape. Kohl’s and Komen encourage everyone to come support the Race For The Cure on Sunday, Sept. 22. Go to komensoutheastwi.org for more information or to sign up to participate.