OUR MISSION
Why our program is important
There are over 16 million cancer survivors in the United States. In New Orleans, it is estimated that this year alone – over 24,000 new cases will be diagnosed.
The good news about cancer care is that -- thanks to advances in the medical community,-- the number of people who survive cancer is growing. The harsh reality, though, is that mental and emotional care is the overlooked but necessary part of cancer care treatment.
Women in our communities are struggling with the aftermath of cancer . This includes everything from depression, lack of concentration and low energy, to psychological issues such as fear of recurrence or lack of self esteem due to the harsh physical changes from surgeries. Most physicians simply do not have enough time during routine office visits to deal with the psychosocial care that women require.
One out of every five persons diagnosed with cancer suffer from varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Studies of quality of life in cancer survivors have examined both the physical and mental health consequences of cancer and its treatments. In general, health care providers have focused largely on patients’ physical symptoms and physical health status, and less emphasis has been placed on mental health issues. For cancer survivors, as for individuals without a history of cancer, physical health directly influences mental health status and overall quality of life. Physical symptoms are more likely to be detected and treated by health care providers, as the mental health and social consequences of illness are less well recognized. Population-based data suggest that cancer survivors are more than twice as likely to have disabling psychological problems compared with adults without cancer, -- published in National Institute of Health
A family member’s cancer illness stretches the emotional resources of the rest of the immediate and extended family. Both the person with cancer and loved ones may need to protect one another from their own emotions.
You Night offers empowering group experiences that are alternatives to traditional cancer survivor support groups
You Night creates alternatives to traditional support groups by providing year-round empowering experiences for women who desire a sisterhood of support. You Night teaches cancer survivors how to overcome the physical and psychological challenges of cancer treatment through teamwork, coaching, and skills training. Our signature program is our "runway training program", where, for five months, participants work together to eventually show off their skills and teamwork in front of friends, family members and health care providers. View all of our programs. Throughout their experience in our programs, participants are taught many powerful skills that cultivate a positive attitude of support.
Programs are made possible through sponsorship, and donations to the WE LIFT YOU UP fund - a 501c3 public charity whose mission is to help women embrace life beyond cancer. FEIN#82-4444545
If you are interested in bringing You Night programs to your community, please write us!