What Is Orange Out?
We’re often asked: What is Orange Out? How did it begin? Let us share the story behind the movement—and the heart that started it all.
A Sister’s Love Sparks a Movement
In August 2010, Rhonda and Eddie Brown’s daughter, Chloe, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for the second time—before she had even turned four. Her older sister, Bailey, wanted to help in any way she could. So she and her lunch group at school decided to wear orange that Friday—the color of the leukemia awareness ribbon.
The idea caught on. The following Friday, more students joined in. Word spread quickly, and soon the first official “Orange Out” event was born. A family friend, Kristy, designed bright orange shirts with bold black lettering: ORANGE OUT.
By October 2010, more than 600 people were wearing orange and sharing Chloe’s story.
A Community of Cheerleaders
Through her mother and sister, Chloe’s journey reached hundreds. Over 800 family members, friends, and supporters connected through Facebook, offering prayers, meals, cards, gift cards, pillow pets, and countless acts of kindness. But more than anything, they became Chloe’s cheerleaders—her unwavering support system.
A Tragedy That Changed Everything
In June 2011, a young boy named Drew—just one day younger than Chloe and diagnosed around the same time—lost his battle with leukemia. His family, overwhelmed by medical bills and grief, couldn’t afford a memorial. Eddie and Rhonda were heartbroken. Unlike Chloe, Drew didn’t have a community to rally around him. They believe this isolation contributed to the devastating loss of Drew’s mother, who took her own life, leaving behind a husband and daughter.
That moment became a turning point.
A Calling Answered
Eddie and Rhonda knew they had to pay forward the grace they’d received. Though their own finances were strained, they felt a divine calling to act. They prayed, reflected, and listened. And then, they heard it clearly: it was time to start a foundation.
During prayer, they both began listing names of people they felt should be involved—and astonishingly, their lists matched. When they reached out, every person said yes. Though some couldn’t commit long-term due to life changes, Eddie and Rhonda pressed on, trusting God’s guidance.
And so, the Orange Out Foundation was born—to support families like theirs and Drew’s, to ensure no one walks this journey alone.
The First Board of the Orange Out Foundation
- President: Charles West
- Vice President: Rhonda Brown
- Secretary: Kristy Slate
- Treasurer: Jennifer West
- Members at Large: Tammy Archer and Eddie Brown