WE OFFER A VARIETY OF EMPOWERING GROUP ACTIVITIES AND THERAPY PROGRAMS TO HELP WOMEN FIND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AFTER A DIAGNOSIS
The We Lift You Up fund helps women find a sisterhood of support and path forward after a cancer diagnosis. A 501c3 public charity established in 2012.
When someone hears the words, "You have cancer", life is never the same. Since 2012, You Night's WE LIFT YOU UP FUND (a 501c3 public charity) has helped thousands of women find much needed support and resources after a cancer diagnosis. Our programs help women discover their power, and learn that they are not defined by their diagnosis. Finding a support system is crucial for cancer survivors as it significantly improves health outcomes and enhances emotional, psychological, and physical well-being during and after a treatment journey. The You Night Sisterhood support network provides a sense of belonging and understanding that can alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety. Our sisterhood fosters a community of shared experiences, where individuals can exchange coping strategies, gain valuable insights, and feel validated in their struggles. Nobody should battle cancer alone! Together we are truly stronger, and through our programs, we foster resilience and optimism, while empowering cancer survivors to navigate their recovery with greater confidence and hope. Click on the links below, or please reach out to us for more information: 877-591-5936 x1
**We also have programs for men, children and caregivers. Please inquire!
OUR FIRST ANNUAL CRAWFISH AND CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS! LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2026 EVENT!
TEAM COMPETION | WELLNESS & VENDOR FAIR | KIDS ZONE | CRAWFISH & BEER GARDEN | BATTLE OF THE BRASS MAYOR'S TOURNEY
You Night Upcoming Events
Dates
Event Type
June 2025
Jun
1
Cancer Survivor's Day Brunch (save the date)
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Save the date! Registration information will be available soon. This is an annual luncheon sponsored by West Jefferson Hospital Foundation. Location: Boomtown Casino in Harvey.
Jun
8
ScART (Northshore) Paint your scars on canvas
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Save the date for Sunday, June 8th to join us at ScART! Thank you to Pontchartrain Cancer Center for sponsoring and supporting this event and our 2025 programs!
Using art as the tool, participants engage in a 3-part class, comprised of:
- An insightful and thought-provoking homework assignment where participants explore their emotional relationship to surgical or emotional scars. The homework is part of the experience and helps participants prepare for the class.
- The group will meet on the Northshore (location TBD). All supplies are provided.
- ScART is an opportunity to share insights with the other participants in your group, and a way of looking at your scars through a new lens.
- Available for women, men or caregivers.
- Space is limited to 30 attendees
- There is no cost to participate but please only sign up if you can confirm your participation.
- Please call us if you have any questions! 877-591-5936x1. To learn more, visit: www.scartevents.com
Jun
29
ScART (Southshore) Scar Art - Paint your scars on canvas
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us at ScART! Thank you to Dr. Jimmy Ellis for sponsoring and supporting this event and our 2025 programs!
Using art as the tool, participants engage in a 3-part class, comprised of:
- An insightful and thought-provoking homework assignment where participants explore their emotional relationship to surgical or emotional scars. The homework is part of the experience and helps participants prepare for the class.
- The group will meet on the Northshore (location TBD). All supplies are provided.
- ScART is an opportunity to share insights with the other participants in your group, and a way of looking at your scars through a new lens.
Please call us if you have any questions! 877-591-5936x1. To learn more, visit: www.scartevents.com
October 2025
Oct
18
You Night Class of 2025 Runway Show & Celebration
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Join us for an incredible evening at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, as the Class of 2025 takes to the stage after months of emotional healing and self-work. Joined by friends, family members and the healthcare community, stepping onto the stage is a bold declaration of resilience. These women have faced the emotional, physical, and mental toll of cancer, and this night celebrates how far they’ve come—not just in surviving, but in thriving. Tickets will go on sale in July. Tickets are theater seating, first come/first serve. Get on our mailing list to have first rights to ticket selection!
Oct
25
Pink Day at Oakwood Center
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
SAVE THE DATE. Sign ups will be open in the future.
PINK DAY is a super fun day for breast cancer survivors and their families to come have fun! The day includes an amazing gift box to those impacted by breast cancer!
The United Breast Cancer Foundation has selected the YOU NIGHT SISTERHOOD and WE LIFT YOU UP FUND for the third year in a row as the recipient organization to receive 150 gift boxes for women breast cancer survivors, and 3 boxes for men breast cancer survivors VALUED AT OVER $850/box!
The United Breast Cancer Foundation has selected the YOU NIGHT SISTERHOOD and WE LIFT YOU UP FUND for the third year in a row as the recipient organization to receive 150 gift boxes for women breast cancer survivors, and 3 boxes for men breast cancer survivors VALUED AT OVER $850/box!
We're talking makeup, makeup brushes, jewelry, perfume, dental hygiene items, socks, hats and more!
LIMITED TO THE FIRST 150 ladies and 3 men who register!
The boxes are reserved for breast cancer survivors and you must register here ahead of time to receive your ticket that you will redeem on October 25th. While the boxes are a gift to breast cancer survivors, the event is open to the entire family! There will be live music, marching groups and a 2nd line through Oakwood Center. (Note: Your friends and family do not need a ticket to attend and join in on the fun, including the 2nd line!).
Everyone should wear pink! Have fun dressing up!
Check-in is at Noon. The 2nd line will be at around 12:45 p.m.
Head to Oakwood Center in Gretna and check in at Center Court. You Night will have a table there! This is open to You Night sisters, as well as any survivors in our community. If you miss out on signing up in time for the free box, come for the fun! (And...last year, we had some extra boxes that weren't claimed so if you miss out on signing up, there still is a chance you can get a free gift box)...just simply show up that day.
Note: Since we do have a limited number of gift boxes -- if you sign up but realize that you won't be able to attend, please pass your ticket onto another breast cancer survivor. Questions? Contact: 877-591-5936 x1
April 2026
Apr
23
Apr
27
"Ship Happens!" You Night Sister Sail-Away Cruise
April 23 5:26 PM - April 27 5:26 PM
Cabins are already filling up! Fill out this form to start the process of securing your cabin with a $50/deposit. Caitlin Manger will contact you to get your deposit, discuss your cabin and guest experience questions that you might have. Note: Two forms of i.d. will be required for this cruise, which can include: Driver's License, Original Birth Certificate, or Passport. A passport is NOT required for this cruise if you have the first two items.
These are the groups of women who are participating in You Night's 2025 SheRose Program.
These amazing ladies from the Greater New Orleans area and Northshore, and from our sister city in Providence, RI, are participating in our signature "SheRose Program" - a six month group experience, where we provide emotional healing through a series of activities, resulting in this beautiful sisterhood. Learn more about all of our programs by visiting the PROGRAMS link.
Congratulations to each of them! Be sure to tune into our podcast or visit our YouTube Channel to hear their stories!
OUR PROGRAMS
You Night's signature programs have been designed to bring groups of individuals together in empowering experiences. Learn more details by clicking on the link below.
The SheRose Program bundles all of our therapy programs into one experience. This is designed for a group of 25 participants at a time, culminating in a big celebration with friends, family and the community.
ScART (which stands for Scar Art) is a group painting experience where participants analyze their emotions related to scars, and then paint their stories on canvas. ScART has many group applications. Every scar tells a story.
Story Crafting is the winning idea of Astella's Oncology International C3Prize. Story Crafting is a six-week group program where participants deconstruct a traumatic life event, and then reconstruct it to find silver linings.
You Night's Still I Rise Podcast features inspiring stories, written by our participants using our Story Crafting formula. Tune in! These stories inform, educate and give hope to so many!
Cancer treatment often leads to significant physical changes, such as hair loss, weight fluctuations, and changes in skin texture. We incorporate this experience for our participants so they can remember the beauty they possess (inside and out).
You Night's Sheroes & Heroes Awards is our organization's way of thanking the hardworking men and women in our community who dedicate their lives to treating and healing those diagnosed with cancer.
What an incredible and empowering process!!! I didn’t realize how much I truly needed to face my cancer experience and put words to my feelings. I wish all survivors had access to this type of uplifting group and process!
You Night is an amazing program that helped me grow and heal in ways that are so powerful and yet are so hard to put into words. The doctors had healed me physically but You Night helped me heal emotionally and not just survive, but thrive. The combination of meetings and practices, often with group lunches before, with ladies who understand the toll of cancer, really allowed us to form amazing friendships and grow into a fun sisterhood of love and support that is the best gift from being part of You Night. Heartfelt thanks to Lisa McKenzie, her amazing team of volunteers, and all the amazing sponsors who made this possible. If you know any female with cancer or living beyond cancer, I recommend this 100%. We are here to welcome and embrace you as alums and pay it forward
You Night Empowering Events
2 days ago
Thank You, C J Ladner - State Farm Agent – A True Community Champion!
We are thrilled to announce that CJ Ladner – State Farm Insurance Agent has returned as a proud sponsor for the Class of 2025!
CJ and her dedicated team at CJ Ladner Insurance Agency have been pillars of the Covington, Mandeville, and Northshore communities for over 27 years. Beyond providing exceptional insurance services, CJ actively supports local initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, the Northshore Food Bank, and the Children's Museum.
Her unwavering commitment to community service exemplifies the spirit of giving back. Thank you, CJ, for your continued generosity and for helping shape a brighter future for the Class of 2025!
#ThankYouCJ #CommunitySupport #ClassOf2025 #TeamCJLadner #LiveWorryFree
We are thrilled to announce that CJ Ladner – State Farm Insurance Agent has returned as a proud sponsor for the Class of 2025!
CJ and her dedicated team at CJ Ladner Insurance Agency have been pillars of the Covington, Mandeville, and Northshore communities for over 27 years. Beyond providing exceptional insurance services, CJ actively supports local initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, the Northshore Food Bank, and the Children's Museum.
Her unwavering commitment to community service exemplifies the spirit of giving back. Thank you, CJ, for your continued generosity and for helping shape a brighter future for the Class of 2025!
#ThankYouCJ #CommunitySupport #ClassOf2025 #TeamCJLadner #LiveWorryFree
Read more
You Night Empowering Events
2 days ago
We are so grateful to the local press for sharing the story of You Night! You Night is an army of role model women who have a story to tell! A story about diagnosis, fear that can be conquered, illnesses that can be overcome, health care providers who help navigate and heal, and a sisterhood of warriors. These are women of beauty and strength. We hope our participants can spread the word of hope and empowerment to many!
Thank you to L'Observateur (LaPlace, LA) for sharing Jerry's amazing celebration and for the shout out to You Night!
Thank you to L'Observateur (LaPlace, LA) for sharing Jerry's amazing celebration and for the shout out to You Night!
Read more
You Night Empowering Events
2 days ago
Hats off to a phenomenal day!
A heartfelt thank you to Publisher Barbara Doyle and Sophisticated Woman Magazine for honoring You Night Empowering Events at yesterday’s Hats Off Luncheon!
We’re especially grateful to everyone who purchased Parade of Prizes tickets and bid on our hotel packages—your generosity helped us raise $5,200 for the We Lift You Up Fund, which directly supports women in our community as they step into a sisterhood of healing, empowerment, and hope after a cancer diagnosis.
The luncheon was a beautiful celebration of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and we were thrilled to have You Night alumni grace the runway—styled head to toe by Sophisticated Woman Magazine’s “BEST OF” boutiques.
Our ladies couldn’t stop raving about their boutique experiences—phenomenal service, kindhearted owners and staff, and jaw-dropping fashion, accessories, and shoes!
Here are a few fun behind-the-scenes shots from the dressing room. We can’t wait to share the professional photos soon!
Featured boutiques included:
Apricot Lane Boutique - Mandeville
Cody Kate Boutique - Slidell
Xpressions Salon Spa and Boutique - Pontchatoula
Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique IFormal Wear)- Mandeville
A heartfelt thank you to Publisher Barbara Doyle and Sophisticated Woman Magazine for honoring You Night Empowering Events at yesterday’s Hats Off Luncheon!
We’re especially grateful to everyone who purchased Parade of Prizes tickets and bid on our hotel packages—your generosity helped us raise $5,200 for the We Lift You Up Fund, which directly supports women in our community as they step into a sisterhood of healing, empowerment, and hope after a cancer diagnosis.
The luncheon was a beautiful celebration of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and we were thrilled to have You Night alumni grace the runway—styled head to toe by Sophisticated Woman Magazine’s “BEST OF” boutiques.
Our ladies couldn’t stop raving about their boutique experiences—phenomenal service, kindhearted owners and staff, and jaw-dropping fashion, accessories, and shoes!
Here are a few fun behind-the-scenes shots from the dressing room. We can’t wait to share the professional photos soon!
Featured boutiques included:
Apricot Lane Boutique - Mandeville
Cody Kate Boutique - Slidell
Xpressions Salon Spa and Boutique - Pontchatoula
Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique IFormal Wear)- Mandeville
Read more
You Night Empowering Events
5 days ago
We are thrilled to welcome back Wigs By Tiffani as a returning sponsor for this year’s Class of 2025 - The Fight Club!
Tiffani and her team have been a true blessing to our sisterhood—providing not just high-quality wigs, but restoring confidence, dignity, and beauty to women navigating the emotional toll of hair loss during cancer treatment.
Their compassionate care, personalized service, and commitment to empowering women is nothing short of extraordinary. From custom wig fittings to expert styling and emotional support, Wigs by Tiffani offers so much more than a wig—they offer hope.
Please join us in thanking Wigs by Tiffani for continuing to stand beside our survivors, lighting the way with love and strength. Visit: https://www.wigsbytiffani.com/
#YouNight2025 #LilacGloveSponsor #WigsbyTiffani #SisterhoodInSupport #EmpowermentInAction #FightClubGala #GratefulHearts
Tiffani and her team have been a true blessing to our sisterhood—providing not just high-quality wigs, but restoring confidence, dignity, and beauty to women navigating the emotional toll of hair loss during cancer treatment.
Their compassionate care, personalized service, and commitment to empowering women is nothing short of extraordinary. From custom wig fittings to expert styling and emotional support, Wigs by Tiffani offers so much more than a wig—they offer hope.
Please join us in thanking Wigs by Tiffani for continuing to stand beside our survivors, lighting the way with love and strength. Visit: https://www.wigsbytiffani.com/
#YouNight2025 #LilacGloveSponsor #WigsbyTiffani #SisterhoodInSupport #EmpowermentInAction #FightClubGala #GratefulHearts
Read more
You Night Empowering Events
6 days ago
🎬 In Take Two, we catch up with previous guests to explore how their stories have evolved — and what came next.
🎗️ Alison’s journey is powerful, personal, and full of transformation. From a childhood in an orphanage to a cancer diagnosis at 52, she’s faced the unknown with grace — and found strength in sisterhood, healing, and self-discovery.
💬 Share this with someone who needs a reminder that beauty can grow from even the murkiest waters.
https://youtu.be/rj-jBrro5yw
#StillIRisePodcast #CancerSurvivor #BreastCancerAwareness #SheRose2024 #HealingJourney #LotusInTheMud
🎗️ Alison’s journey is powerful, personal, and full of transformation. From a childhood in an orphanage to a cancer diagnosis at 52, she’s faced the unknown with grace — and found strength in sisterhood, healing, and self-discovery.
💬 Share this with someone who needs a reminder that beauty can grow from even the murkiest waters.
https://youtu.be/rj-jBrro5yw
#StillIRisePodcast #CancerSurvivor #BreastCancerAwareness #SheRose2024 #HealingJourney #LotusInTheMud
Read more
To all the amazing moms out there!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the warriors, nurturers, protectors, and hearts of our homes. We see you. We honor you. We thank you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the warriors, nurturers, protectors, and hearts of our homes. We see you. We honor you. We thank you.
Read more
When the World Loses Its Magic — A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Someone Battling Cancer
She used to love the little things—the sparkle of holiday lights, the thrill of planning a trip, the comfort of familiar routines. But after a cancer diagnosis, something shifted.
She walks down the street, but it’s as if she’s floating. Disconnected. The ground feels distant beneath her feet. Life keeps moving, but she feels paused. Numb. The world that once enchanted her now feels muted and surreal.
This isn’t just about physical illness—it’s about the mental and emotional toll that often hides beneath the surface.
For many facing cancer, depression creeps in quietly. It doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it’s emptiness. Sometimes it’s a sense that the person they used to be has faded, and the things that once brought joy now feel far away.
But here’s what we must never forget: the magic can return.
Healing isn’t only about test results or treatment plans—it’s also about reclaiming connection, joy, and purpose. One smile, one shared laugh, one empowering moment on stage or in a sisterhood of support can begin to bring color back into a grayed-out world.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember that behind every brave face is a complex emotional journey. Let’s honor the strength it takes to heal—inside and out.
Because while cancer may challenge the body, hope is what revives the soul.
***If you are someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or if you are emotionallly fatigued or overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone—consider seeking the help of a licensed counselor or therapist, or reach out to supportive communities like ours where healing begins with connection.***
Author: Lisa McKenzie, Founder of You Night Empowering Events
She used to love the little things—the sparkle of holiday lights, the thrill of planning a trip, the comfort of familiar routines. But after a cancer diagnosis, something shifted.
She walks down the street, but it’s as if she’s floating. Disconnected. The ground feels distant beneath her feet. Life keeps moving, but she feels paused. Numb. The world that once enchanted her now feels muted and surreal.
This isn’t just about physical illness—it’s about the mental and emotional toll that often hides beneath the surface.
For many facing cancer, depression creeps in quietly. It doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it’s emptiness. Sometimes it’s a sense that the person they used to be has faded, and the things that once brought joy now feel far away.
But here’s what we must never forget: the magic can return.
Healing isn’t only about test results or treatment plans—it’s also about reclaiming connection, joy, and purpose. One smile, one shared laugh, one empowering moment on stage or in a sisterhood of support can begin to bring color back into a grayed-out world.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s remember that behind every brave face is a complex emotional journey. Let’s honor the strength it takes to heal—inside and out.
Because while cancer may challenge the body, hope is what revives the soul.
***If you are someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or if you are emotionallly fatigued or overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone—consider seeking the help of a licensed counselor or therapist, or reach out to supportive communities like ours where healing begins with connection.***
Author: Lisa McKenzie, Founder of You Night Empowering Events
Read more
Space is limited to 25 participants!
Join us for ScART on the Northshore on Sunday, June 8th at the Holiday Inn in Covington.
Scart - Scar Art Painting Program is a transformative group experience where cancer survivors and caregivers turn their emotional and surgical scars into powerful works of art.
Through guided painting, you’ll process what you've been through, share space with others who truly understand, and discover beauty in your healing journey.
"I never imagined that painting my scar would help me feel proud of it. ScART gave me permission to stop hiding and start healing."
This isn’t just art — it’s healing on canvas.
Open to men, women, and caregivers. No art skills required — just a heart ready to heal.
REGISTER BY VISITING THIS LINK
https://www.scartevents.com/pccjune8
#ScART #HealingThroughArt #YouNightStrong #EmotionalHealing #CancerSupport #CaregiverSupport. Thank you to Pontchartrain Cancer Center for sponsoring this special event!
Southshore guests! Stay tuned for a link to the Southshore event that is taking place on June 29th in Metairie. Sign ups for that will be available soon.
Join us for ScART on the Northshore on Sunday, June 8th at the Holiday Inn in Covington.
Scart - Scar Art Painting Program is a transformative group experience where cancer survivors and caregivers turn their emotional and surgical scars into powerful works of art.
Through guided painting, you’ll process what you've been through, share space with others who truly understand, and discover beauty in your healing journey.
"I never imagined that painting my scar would help me feel proud of it. ScART gave me permission to stop hiding and start healing."
This isn’t just art — it’s healing on canvas.
Open to men, women, and caregivers. No art skills required — just a heart ready to heal.
REGISTER BY VISITING THIS LINK
https://www.scartevents.com/pccjune8
#ScART #HealingThroughArt #YouNightStrong #EmotionalHealing #CancerSupport #CaregiverSupport. Thank you to Pontchartrain Cancer Center for sponsoring this special event!
Southshore guests! Stay tuned for a link to the Southshore event that is taking place on June 29th in Metairie. Sign ups for that will be available soon.
Read more
You Night wins Guinness World Record Title for most models in a Fashion Show!
On Saturday, October 1st, 2022 in New Orleans, You Night Empowering Events, broke a Guinness World Record for the most models in a fashion show. The number to beat was 421 held by a modeling agency in Spain. You Night and the organization’s partners barely inched over that number landing at 430 models in the show - resulting in a new world record
being set.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, October 1, 2022 - You Night Events, in partnership with
Positive Image Modeling and Chic Nouvelle Worldwide Model Management, was
recognized by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for having the most models in a runway
show. On October 1st at 8:30 p.m., You Night’s Founder, Lisa McKenzie, along with
Leslie Legania-Shelby and Rowena Kay, were awarded a certificate confirming their
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title by Sarah Casson, an official GUINNESS WORLD
RECORDS adjudicator who traveled from Washington D.C. to New Orleans for the
Ribbons Rock the Runway event. The official ceremony took place at the conclusion of
the runway show that featured 430 models beating out the now-former record holder
based in Spain (who had 421 models).
The event was far more than a record-breaking attempt. Models used this runway
platform as an opportunity to bring hope and resources to women diagnosed with
cancer. Models walked in 19 different fashion collections, each representing the color of
a cancer awareness ribbon. As each group took to the stage, M.C.’s Kenny Lopez and
Peyton Tryst with WGNO, along with Marshall Harris, gave information about what type
of cancer each color represented.
As Casson presented the award and global accolade, McKenzie thanked GUINNESS
WORLD RECORDS and the many people who played a role preparing for this
monumental task. “We want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly over the past year
to make this award possible,” she said, adding that hundreds of models from all over the
Gulf Coast came to be a part of this World Record Attempt, representing many modeling
agencies, including many models who are cancer survivors themselves, or who were
walking to honor loved ones diagnosed. “It is our hope that this event brings
awareness, resources and support to individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer.”
A long list of honorees opened the show, many with personal connections to cancer.
Betsy Barnes, Press Secretary and Director of Public Affairs for Louisiana Lieutenant
Governor Billy Nungasser, addressed the audience about her own cancer diagnosis and
emphasized the importance of a sisterhood of support, such as You Night. Also
opening the show were Dr. John Stewart, Center Director of the LSU Health New
Orleans/LCMC Health Cancer Center; and Dr. Chris Trahan with The Center for
Restorative Breast Surgery.
Ribbons Rock the Runway is a fundraiser supporting the WE LIFT YOU UP Fund - a
501c3 public charity dedicated to helping women emotionally cope after a cancer
diagnosis. One of the empowerment programs You Night is most known for is their
Runway Training Program. Cancer survivors are challenged to step outside of their
comfort zones to adopt a mindset of self-esteem and confidence – two areas that many
women feel like they lose after a diagnosis. “We give women the opportunity to
discover or re-discover their inner and outward beauty, so that they don’t identify
themselves by their disease, but instead by the incredible women they are.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Holley Haag, You Night Media Relations
504-450-1837 hhaag@msn.comOn Saturday, October 1st, 2022 in New Orleans, You Night Empowering Events, broke a Guinness World Record for the most models in a fashion show. The number to beat was 421 held by a modeling agency in Spain. You Night and the organization’s partners barely inched over that number landing at 430 models in the show - resulting in a new world record
being set.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, October 1, 2022 - You Night Events, in partnership with
Positive Image Modeling and Chic Nouvelle Worldwide Model Management, was
recognized by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for having the most models in a runway
show. On October 1st at 8:30 p.m., You Night’s Founder, Lisa McKenzie, along with
Leslie Legania-Shelby and Rowena Kay, were awarded a certificate confirming their
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title by Sarah Casson, an official GUINNESS WORLD
RECORDS adjudicator who traveled from Washington D.C. to New Orleans for the
Ribbons Rock the Runway event. The official ceremony took place at the conclusion of
the runway show that featured 430 models beating out the now-former record holder
based in Spain (who had 421 models).
The event was far more than a record-breaking attempt. Models used this runway
platform as an opportunity to bring hope and resources to women diagnosed with
cancer. Models walked in 19 different fashion collections, each representing the color of
a cancer awareness ribbon. As each group took to the stage, M.C.’s Kenny Lopez and
Peyton Tryst with WGNO, along with Marshall Harris, gave information about what type
of cancer each color represented.
As Casson presented the award and global accolade, McKenzie thanked GUINNESS
WORLD RECORDS and the many people who played a role preparing for this
monumental task. “We want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly over the past year
to make this award possible,” she said, adding that hundreds of models from all over the
Gulf Coast came to be a part of this World Record Attempt, representing many modeling
agencies, including many models who are cancer survivors themselves, or who were
walking to honor loved ones diagnosed. “It is our hope that this event brings
awareness, resources and support to individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer.”
A long list of honorees opened the show, many with personal connections to cancer.
Betsy Barnes, Press Secretary and Director of Public Affairs for Louisiana Lieutenant
Governor Billy Nungasser, addressed the audience about her own cancer diagnosis and
emphasized the importance of a sisterhood of support, such as You Night. Also
opening the show were Dr. John Stewart, Center Director of the LSU Health New
Orleans/LCMC Health Cancer Center; and Dr. Chris Trahan with The Center for
Restorative Breast Surgery.
Ribbons Rock the Runway is a fundraiser supporting the WE LIFT YOU UP Fund - a
501c3 public charity dedicated to helping women emotionally cope after a cancer
diagnosis. One of the empowerment programs You Night is most known for is their
Runway Training Program. Cancer survivors are challenged to step outside of their
comfort zones to adopt a mindset of self-esteem and confidence – two areas that many
women feel like they lose after a diagnosis. “We give women the opportunity to
discover or re-discover their inner and outward beauty, so that they don’t identify
themselves by their disease, but instead by the incredible women they are.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Holley Haag, You Night Media Relations
504-450-1837 hhaag@msn.com
Read more
Meet Lisa McKenzie -- Astellas Oncology C3 Prize Finalist Whose Inspiring Idea is Changing Cancer Care
Every day, people impacted by cancer and their loved ones navigate a complex journey. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the complexity of cancer care, creating additional emotional, financial and physical strain for people impacted by cancer and their loved ones. That’s why more than ever, we need to cultivate ideas that are making an impact in the cancer care community beyond medicine.
The Astellas Oncology C3 (Changing Cancer Care) Prize is fueling big ideas that tackle everyday challenges in cancer care beyond medicine. Now in its fifth year, the C3 Prize is awarding up to $200,000 in grants and resources to help advance these promising ideas.
Today, Astellas Oncology is announcing the three finalists for the C3 Prize: Lisa McKenzie, Valeria Arango Velez, and Omolola Salako. These three female founders’ personal and professional experiences sparked their passion to change cancer care, each taking on a different challenge of the cancer care journey. While we reviewed many innovative and thoughtful submissions this year, these three finalists best represented the C3 Prize criteria.
All three finalists will pitch their ideas to an expert judging panel of leaders in business, innovation and cancer care, with cancer activist Bill Rancic serving as emcee, at a virtual pitch event in March. They’ll be awarded grants and resources to help advance their ideas, with one Grand Prize winner to be awarded $100,000 in grant funding and two Innovation Prize winners to be awarded $50,000 in grants. All will have access to mentorship and a yearlong membership to MATTER, a global healthcare startup incubator, community nexus and corporate innovation accelerator; the Grand Prize winner will also receive hands-on support, expertise, and resources from Slalom, a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. Sign up for updates on how you can be a part of our virtual watch party on March 23.
The Astellas Oncology C3 (Changing Cancer Care) Prize is fueling big ideas that tackle everyday challenges in cancer care beyond medicine. Now in its fifth year, the C3 Prize is awarding up to $200,000 in grants and resources to help advance these promising ideas.
Today, Astellas Oncology is announcing the three finalists for the C3 Prize: Lisa McKenzie, Valeria Arango Velez, and Omolola Salako. These three female founders’ personal and professional experiences sparked their passion to change cancer care, each taking on a different challenge of the cancer care journey. While we reviewed many innovative and thoughtful submissions this year, these three finalists best represented the C3 Prize criteria.
All three finalists will pitch their ideas to an expert judging panel of leaders in business, innovation and cancer care, with cancer activist Bill Rancic serving as emcee, at a virtual pitch event in March. They’ll be awarded grants and resources to help advance their ideas, with one Grand Prize winner to be awarded $100,000 in grant funding and two Innovation Prize winners to be awarded $50,000 in grants. All will have access to mentorship and a yearlong membership to MATTER, a global healthcare startup incubator, community nexus and corporate innovation accelerator; the Grand Prize winner will also receive hands-on support, expertise, and resources from Slalom, a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. Sign up for updates on how you can be a part of our virtual watch party on March 23.
MEET THE 2020 FINALISTS
Lisa McKenzie – You Night Empowering Events
USA
Lisa McKenzie – You Night Empowering Events
USA
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
You Night 2025 FIGHT CLUB! Supporting emotional health Programs, and the 2025 Celebration cannot happen without your support to the We Lift You Up fund. Thank you!
ABOUT US
In 2013, we started an organization in New Orleans, LA, with the mission of helping women embrace life beyond cancer. We do this by providing alternatives to traditional support groups through empowering experiences that help women move forward in their self-reflection and journeys. After working with hundreds of women from every walk of life, we found that a beautiful, consistent message kept surfacing: women are stronger when they are surrounded by other women who have experienced similar journeys. They also are stronger when the community rallies behind them to provide healthy tools for better living.
Lisa McKenzie is the Founder and Executive Producer of You Night Empowering Events, a program whose mission is to help women embrace life beyond cancer. Lisa's passion for exploring opportunities to empower women is what drives her daily ambitions. After going through a particularly dark period in her life, Lisa wanted to share with others powerful tools that she used to free herself from depression, and power through adversity. Lisa draws inspiration for her programs from her personal relationship with God, and His promises for our well-being. Lisa's mom is a breast cancer survivor, and after witnessing the harsh changes that her mom endured, and after witnessing how two of her friends faced numerous traumatic experiences after they were diagnosed with cancer, Lisa set out to create a sisterhood designed around empowering group experiences, where the members and community "lifted one another up" (hence, the formation of Lisa's Non-Profit 501c3 program called "We Lift You Up" fund). Since the inception of the organization in 2013, Lisa has created a variety of empowering group experiences that incorporate powerful tools for emotional health. Lisa partners with area hospitals and physicians to offer this critical part of the cancer survivors' healing journey (emotional and mental healing). What results is that survivors discover inner strength that they can channel for better health outcomes. To date – because of sponsorship support and donations -- You Night has gifted hundreds of women (in the Greater New Orleans area and in cities across America) with You Night Program Experiences (Runway Empowerment Program, ScART Scar Art Painting Experience and Story Crafting). Engaging women in empowering, life-affirming experiences has resulted in a very active sisterhood of survivors.
877-591-5936 x1
Mailing Address:
7041 Canal St. #256, New Orleans, LA, United States, 70124
We Lift You Up fund FEIN# 82-4444545
Meet You Night Founder, Lisa McKenzie
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