WE OFFER A VARIETY OF EMPOWERING GROUP ACTIVITIES AND THERAPY PROGRAMS TO HELP WOMEN FIND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AFTER A DIAGNOSIS
We help women embrace life beyond cancer.
Cancer changes everything.
We help women discover who they are beyond the diagnosis.
You Night is more than a program. It's a Sisterhood.
When a woman hears the words, "You have cancer," life changes in an instant. Fear, uncertainty, and isolation can become overwhelming—but no woman should have to face that journey alone.
Since 2012, the You Night WE LIFT YOU UP FUND, a 501(c)(3) public charity, has been helping women reclaim their lives after a cancer diagnosis. While You Night has directly served more than 700 women throughout Southeast Louisiana, our impact extends far beyond each participant—touching thousands of family members, caregivers, friends, healthcare professionals, and communities along the way.
Our six-month emotional healing program is designed to help women move beyond simply surviving cancer and begin truly living again. Through creativity, storytelling, education, confidence-building experiences, and an extraordinary sisterhood of support, women discover that cancer may be part of their story—but it does not define who they are.
Research continues to show that a strong support system plays a vital role in emotional, psychological, and even physical healing. Women who feel connected and supported are better equipped to navigate treatment, recovery, and life beyond cancer. At You Night, survivors become part of a compassionate community where they are encouraged, understood, celebrated, and reminded that they never have to face the journey alone.
Every gathering, every friendship, every story shared, every brushstroke, every hug, and every celebration is designed with one purpose—to restore hope, rebuild confidence, and help women rediscover the joy that cancer tried to steal.
Because healing is about more than medicine.
It's about laughter.
It's about purpose.
It's about friendship.
It's about finding yourself again.
Together, we help women move from surviving... to truly living.
We invite you to explore our programs, attend one of our events, volunteer, become a sponsor, or make a donation that helps another woman receive this life-changing experience at absolutely no cost to her.
Because cancer may change your story... but it doesn't get to write the ending.
Welcome to the You Night Sisterhood.
**We also have programs for men, children and caregivers. Please inquire!
You Night Upcoming Events
December 2025
Dec
7
FIGHT CLUB: THE MOVIE at Broad Theater
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
LIGHTS! CAMERAS! YOUR REACTIONS!
Come join us to watch the YOU NIGHT CLASS OF 2025 in FIGHT CLUB - THE MOVIE!
Sign up today! The cost if $15 per guest.
There is a great concession stand and bar available for food and beverage purchases.
We're dressing like it's a Hollywood Premiere! It's optional, but bougie over-the-top Hollywood glam is suggested :)
Dec
10
Class of 2026 Zoom Info Meeting
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Please join us from the comfort of your own home for a casual Q&A - where we will go over the 2026 program and schedule and answer any questions you might have.
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.
November 2026
Nov
14
You Night Runway Show & Celebration - REV THE RUNWAY 2026
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Save the date! We'll be celebrating the Class of 2026 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in a high octane runway show! Don't look back! The road ahead is paved with beautiful days ahead.
Save the date for our 2026 Runway Show and Celebration
Saturday, November 14th
Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Metairie
We are planning a high-octane celebration, and reminding everyone that the front window of a car is bigger than the rear view mirror for a reason! Keep moving forward.
To learn more about our 2026 gala, sponsor info, tickets etc., click here
We are gearing up for all the excitement with our new class - the CLASS OF 2026!
Their professional photos will be updated soon, but for now, we can't wait to celebrate these incredible women!
If you would like to get updates about this year's program, or if you'd like to get involved fill out this form:
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 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
Read more
Giving Hope Foundation names Lisa McKenzie "2023 Woman of the Year"
You Night was featured in a national Capital One Campaign, viewed by millions.
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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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All Rights Reserved.