You Night is a sisterhood comprised of over 600 women in the Greater New Orleans and Northshore communities who have been gifted our program support since 2012.  "A rising tide lifts all boats".  Together, the women support each other with our online communities, in-person get-togethers, and friendships that are forged and last a lifetime to help through the good, the bad and the uncertain moments that cancer can bring into a person's life.

• Candle Pass - an intimate experience that deepens connections, fosters mutual understanding and emotional healing through the supportive presence of others who truly empathize with their journey.
• ScART - "Scar Art" Painting program where participants paint surgical and/or emotional scars to process what they have been through and to see the hidden beauty in their experiences.
• Story Crafting - An award-winning narrative therapy program that helps participants deconstruct traumatic experiences and reconstruct them in powerful stories that reveal silver linings
• Photoshoot / Makeover - helps women reconnect with their sense of beauty and identity, and provides a joyful, empowering experience during a challenging time. It allows them to see themselves beyond their diagnosis, celebrating their resilience and reclaiming their confidence.
• Podcast / Video Interviews / Magazine -  Once we help our participants craft their stories, we use their stories to inspire hope in others, break down the stigma associated with the emotional impact of cancer, and foster a sense of community and understanding. By sharing, they empower others to find strength in their own journeys and contribute to a collective healing process that amplifies resilience and mutual support.  
• Runway Empowerment Programs - Training cancer survivors to participate in a runway show is empowering because it helps them step outside their comfort zone, celebrate their unique beauty and strength, and reclaim their confidence. The experience allows them to redefine their self-image, be celebrated for their resilience, and inspire others by demonstrating their courage and transformation, creating a moment of triumph over adversity.  (And! - it's fun!  A word not often associated with the word "cancer").
• Leadership Opportunities - After women participate in our programs (think of our programs as a "Master Class of Empowerment", participants have the opportuity to join our leadership team to pay it forward to others.  This, in and of itself, is transformative because it helps them shift from a "victim" mindset to one of victory and empowerment. By embracing leadership roles, they recognize the strength and wisdom gained through their journey, reframing their challenges as sources of personal growth. These opportunities allow them to use their experiences to mentor and inspire others, fostering a ripple effect of resilience, hope, and support that amplifies the impact of their journey far beyond themselves. This transition is not only healing but also creates a powerful sense of purpose and legacy.

• Bereavement support:  Unfortunately, our organization has grieved the loss of far too many You Night sisters who have passed because of cancer.  (See our Sisters page: In Memoriam). A You Night sister becomes part of our forever family.  During this challenging and heart-wrenching time, we want to expand our help to families by exploring and facilitating ways to help, which include:

  • Grief Support Groups: Facilitate safe spaces for families to connect with others who have experienced similar losses, fostering mutual understanding and healing, such as our "ScART for Grief" painting experience.

  • Counseling Services: Provide access to professional grief counselors or therapists to help family members navigate the complex emotions of loss.

  • Memorializing our Sisters: We will forever remember our sisters and we honor them on our website, at our annual gala, and in our magazine.

  • Practical Assistance: Offer help with practical matters, such as organizing meals, childcare, or financial planning, to ease the immediate burden on families.

  • Long-term Check-ins: Maintain ongoing communication to ensure families feel supported over time, not just immediately after their loss.

  • Community Connection: Build a network of support through community programs, connecting families with others who can share in their experiences and provide mutual encouragement.

  • Financial Support: Offer assistance or guidance for navigating medical debt or funeral costs, which can often compound the emotional burden.

  • Custom Support Programs: Tailor specific programs to the unique needs of each family, ensuring their personal loss is addressed with care and respect.

We are open to suggestions on ways we can provide help.

Sadly, a great number of those diagnosed with cancer will find themselves needing palliative or hospice care.  For these occurrences, You Night would like to expand our services to offer:

• Physical Comfort:

  • Provide comforting items like soft blankets, soothing music, or favorite foods (if possible).
  • Assist in creating a peaceful and personalized hospice environment.

• Legacy Projects:

  • Help them document their life stories, letters, or messages for loved ones.
  • Facilitate activities like creating memory books or photo albums.

We are open to suggestions on ways we can provide help.

Throughout the year, many of the You Night sisters will undergo major surgeries and treatment.  We would love to expand our services to offer support, such as:

• Meal Preparation: Deliver healthy, easy-to-reheat meals.
• Errands: Groceries, prescriptions, or other essentials.
• Household Tasks: Cleaning, laundry, or yard work.
• Transportation: Offer rides to follow-up appointments if needed.
• Comfort Items: Provide cozy blankets, pillows, or a bedside care basket with essentials (water bottle, snacks, tissues, etc.).
• Pet Care: Walk their dog, clean litter boxes, or take care of other pets.
• Childcare: Offer to babysit or help with school drop-offs and pick-ups if they have children.
• Meal Trains: Coordinate with friends and family to ensure a steady supply of meals and support.

We are open to suggestions on ways we can provide help.

You Night helps women find their power and strength through story telling and through sharing of experiences. By participating in these storytelling platforms, women transform their pain into a source of power and influence, uplifting themselves and creating a ripple effect of hope and strength in others.

STILL I RISE PODCAST (click to listen!)

We feature two interviews per week, as well as bonus episodes with industry experts.  

• Our podcast interviews empower our participants!

  • Sharing their story in their own words allows them to reflect on their journey and recognize their strength and growth.
  • Speaking to a broad audience helps them realize the impact of their voice, fostering a sense of purpose and validation.
  • The conversational format of podcasts often makes sharing feel intimate and authentic, further building their confidence.

• Helping Others:

  • Listeners find inspiration and hope in the raw, personal narratives, especially those going through similar struggles.
  • Survivors’ advice, insights, and encouragement can provide practical and emotional guidance.
  • Podcasts can reach diverse audiences, spreading awareness and breaking stigmas about cancer.

YOU NIGHT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL / VIDEO INTERVIEWS (click to watch and subscribe)

• Becoming Role Models and Mentors:

  • Seeing themselves on camera allows survivors to embrace their beauty, confidence, and individuality post-diagnosis.
  • The process of preparing and filming reinforces their sense of accomplishment and courage.
  • Sharing their story visually enhances their connection with viewers, amplifying their voice.

• Helping Others:

  • Viewers can relate deeply to the emotional nuances captured in video, making the stories more impactful.
  • Survivors become role models, showing resilience and strength in action.
  • Videos can be shared widely, serving as a powerful tool for education, support, and advocacy.

You Night's RIBBON MAGAZINE (click to see 2024 magazine)

• A beautiful 120 page keepsake magazine!

  • Being featured in a magazine highlights their journey as something significant and worthy of recognition.
  • Featuring their beautiful portraits and stories.
  • Seeing their story in print validates their experiences and achievements, reinforcing their sense of self-worth.
  • It allows them to articulate their narrative with intention, furthering their personal growth.

• Helping Others:

  • Readers can draw strength from the survivor’s story, learning that hope and recovery are possible.
  • The written format allows for deep reflection and connection, offering lessons and insights to others.
  • Magazine stories often reach people who may not actively seek support, providing encouragement in unexpected ways.

While our programs are highly effective in offering emotional and mental support, we know that there is always a greater need on a case by case basis.  We would like to extend scholarships for mental health support to individuals, couples and families impacted by cancer.

• Individual therapy provides a safe space for survivors to process their feelings, build resilience, and rediscover their sense of identity and purpose beyond their diagnosis.
• Couple therapy helps partners strengthen their bond, improve communication, and address the unique stresses cancer can place on relationships, fostering mutual understanding and support.
• Family therapy allows survivors and their loved ones to heal together, addressing shared grief, fear, or uncertainty, while building a supportive environment rooted in compassion and connection.

These services empower survivors and their families to move forward with greater emotional strength, unity, and hope.