A Brookfield student is turning a deeply personal connection into an opportunity to help others in the community.

Rosalie Guthrie recently approached her teacher, Mrs. Horn, with an idea to raise money for Adrienne’s Army, a local nonprofit organization established in memory of Adrienne Litman-Toth, who died from stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2015.

For Rosalie, supporting the organization has a special meaning.

Rosalie shared that her mother, Natalie Olson, and Adrienne became friends while they were both battling cancer. Sadly, both women eventually lost their battles, but the connection they shared continues to inspire Rosalie today.

That story became the inspiration behind Brookfield’s Pink Out and an effort to raise money for Adrienne’s Army.

For Rosalie, supporting the cause is about more than raising money. She said she enjoys helping other students, and this project gives her a way to help others while also feeling connected to her mom and to Adrienne.

As part of the fundraising effort, Mrs. Horn’s leadership students will sell pink bandanas for $1 each at each building. Proceeds will benefit Adrienne’s Army and its mission of supporting families impacted by cancer.

Adrienne’s Army raises money for cancer research and financial assistance for families battling cancer, continuing Adrienne’s legacy through service and support for others.

The organization also has strong ties to the Brookfield community. Adrienne’s father, John Litman, is a 1971 Brookfield High School graduate who has spent decades supporting local youth through coaching and service. A former Brookfield Board of Education member and longtime basketball coach, Litman continues to give back to the community while helping carry on his daughter’s legacy through Adrienne’s Army.

Rosalie’s idea brings those connections together in a meaningful way.

What began with the friendship between Natalie and Adrienne during their cancer journeys has now inspired Brookfield students to support families facing similar challenges.

For Rosalie, the Pink Out represents an opportunity to take a difficult personal experience and turn it into something that can help someone else. Her willingness to share her story and take action is bringing Brookfield students together around a cause that reaches far beyond the school walls — honoring those who have battled cancer, supporting families who are still fighting, and remembering the people whose impact continues long after they are gone.

Support Adrienne’s Army

Community members who would like to support Adrienne’s Army can make a donation online at:

https://www.payschoolsevents.com/events/details/47138

After visiting the page, click the “Register” button to make a donation.

Every contribution helps Adrienne’s Army continue its mission of supporting cancer research and providing financial assistance to families battling cancer.