We had the good fortune of connecting with Brynne Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brynne, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
‘Act as if what you do makes a difference, IT DOES.’ – William James. This quote means a few things to me: be confident and know that you can make an impact – even if you are only a kid. Understand that it is not just your actions that matter, but the example you will set for others. Initially when I made a pink lemonade stand for breast cancer research, I wanted to help my mom and others who faced breast cancer. After a few years of doing it by myself and with a friend, I knew if I could reach other kids like me, I could inspire them to get involved! Through local and national news exposure, support from my family and from so many kid heroes, I have been able to share my idea and mission with millions of others! I acted as if I was making a difference and I have! With supporters in more than 36 states who have hosted hundreds of pink lemonade stands and participation from awesome corporate partners > we have raised over $100,000 for breast cancer research, helped to raise awareness about breast cancer and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation! I want other kids and families to know that together we can act to make a difference and we will #BeTheEnd of breast cancer! -Brynne Rhodes (now 12 years old, 7 when she started The Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge, a national campaign to inspire others to engage in fundraising efforts to further breast cancer research and ultimately to end breast cancer)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am 12 years old so maybe not the typical profile for your series. Although I am just starting out, I have been working on this project since I was 7. We lost a year of pink lemonade stands to the pandemic, so its been 5 years. I am most proud of my contribution to a cause that affects so many families and proud to inspire others to take action for this cause. It is not always easy, now that I am in middle school some kids are not helpful and tease me about the Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge initiative. I have learned to ‘find the helpers’ – those who believe in me and understand the bigger picture. I want to world to know that together we can end breast cancer and tackle other problems that seem overwhelming!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Since I am a middle-schooler, I love the mall! I have celiac disease so healthy, clean food and gluten free choices are important to me. I like True Foods and Good Stuff, both have multiple locations. Since we are so lucky to live in Southern California, I would always hit the beach, hike, bike – I live in the South Bay and enjoy the sunsets, shopping and people watching!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are so many incredible individuals and organizations who have encouraged, supported and elevated me – I am a kid, so obviously, I could never have done this alone! Kids, parents, families, communities and donors countrywide who care about someone impacted by breast cancer have been inspired to join our cause! My mom, aunt and both grandmothers who inspired me, my Dad who makes the best pink lemonade, my 3 older brothers who have always encouraged and helped me, the team at BCRF (the Breast Cancer Research Foundation) especially Christine Ward, the TODAY show team, Natalie Morales and Jenna Bush Hagar, Tammy Filler, Joanne LaMarca Mathisen, Angela Tonnini and so many local news teams, anchors and reporters! Corporate partners who have supported us: Vineyard Vines, Macy’s, Lilly Pulitzer, CountryTime, Ulta Beauty. The #MomHeros who volunteer to lead the campaign: Amy Boshell, Heidi Donohue, Jenn Gilbert, Margery Geers, Heidi Rose, Julie Beverly, Jenn Valenti, Charlotte Thomas and the #CollegeHeros, student interns from colleges nationwide who have volunteered to help grow the campaign. My friends (and their parents) – from Pennsylvania and California who volunteered to #MakeAStand. And so may more!

Website: www.PinkLemonadeStandChallenge.org

Instagram: @PinkLemonadeStandChallenge

Linkedin: Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge

Twitter: @plsc_bcrf

Facebook: Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge

Other: TikToc: @pinklemonadestand

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.