Since 2016, Brynne Rhodes has been encouraging kids to set up pink lemonade stands in their communities to support breast cancer research through BCRF. At just seven years old, Brynne raised $100 for BCRF in honor of her mom, Kim, who had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer the year prior—and she wanted other kids to make a positive impact, too.
The mother-daughter duo’s nationwide campaign, the Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge (PLSC), has since raised more than $300,000 for lifesaving research—all thanks to kids and families taking the challenge in their communities, college students fundraising on campus, companies hosting stands in their stores and offices, and more. PLSC and its fundraisers have been featured on the TODAY show and other major national and local news outlets.
In October 2023, BCRF and PLSC hosted the Black & Yellow for Pink Lemonade Stand before the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA to raise critical funds for research. The Pittsburgh community showed their overwhelming support, raising $53,122 and setting a new Guinness World Record for the most money raised at a lemonade stand in 24 hours.
“Breast cancer impacts most families, and it is the number one cancer diagnosis in women worldwide,” Brynne said. “My goal is to inspire people everywhere to #MakeAStand and make an impact. I love that our supporters can raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research in a hopeful way that brings communities together.”
Summer is the perfect time to take the challenge. Here are five reasons why:
1. You’ll support lifesaving breast cancer research
BCRF is the sole beneficiary of PLSC fundraising. When you support BCRF, you support the largest private funder of breast cancer research—and metastatic breast cancer research—in the world and the highest-rated breast cancer research organization in the U.S. Today, BCRF supports a global legion of more than 250 breast cancer researchers studying every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis.
2. You’ll help spread the word about BCRF and research
When you take the PLSC, you not only fund research through BCRF, but you become an important voice for research in your community. At BCRF, we believe that research will end breast cancer for good. In taking the PLSC, you’ll introduce people to BCRF’s lifesaving mission and why research is so critical.
3. You’ll be part of something bigger
From Hawaii to New York supporters in 41 states across the country—and counting—have taken the challenge and set up lemonade stands in their towns and cities. You can help the PLSC reach all 50 states and feel good knowing you are part of a movement to end breast cancer.
4. You can help people in your community
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and there are currently more than four million people with a history of the disease. Breast cancer research is a cause that, unfortunately, touches too many lives and likely many women, men, and families where you live.
5. You and your kids will have a lot of fun
Last but not least: Taking the challenge is both meaningful and fun! Play music, color the sidewalk in chalk, get crafty with your signs and lemonade stand, and spend an afternoon knowing that you’ve made an incredible impact for people diagnosed with breast cancer now and in the future.
Here’s how to take the Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge:
To learn more, visit PLSC’s website.
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