A Community
of Hope Local Initiatives Raise Cancer Awareness and Support
AS CANCER CONTINUES to impact countless lives, local initiatives are stepping up to raise awareness, provide support, and foster hope within the New Orleans community. From creative fundraising events to personalized patient assistance programs, these organizations make a tangible difference in the fight against cancer. They offer a lifeline to those battling the disease and their families by focusing on education, research, and patient care. Discover how these initiatives are increasing awareness and creating a lasting impact on the lives they touch. YOU NIGHT Empowering and Helping Women Beyond the Runway You Night is known for its signature runway show, but the real impact lies in the months of healing and camaraderie that brings women together beforehand. “They can’t get on that runway stage and put on a fancy dress and lipstick and pretend everything is better. We spend several months prior to that moment working on inner healing and trauma release so that by the time they get to the runway stage, they have formed a tight connection with one another so that it is truly a group accomplishment,” explains You Night creator Lisa McKenzie. Moved by the impact cancer had on her mother and two close friends, Lisa founded You Night Empowering Events in 2013 with the heartfelt hope of making a 46
I nside N e w O rl e a n s
difference for those diagnosed. Though uncertain how to help initially, she was determined to bring joy and light back into the lives of those she cared about. Thus, what began as a compassionate and loving gesture quickly revealed a significant but often neglected need in cancer care: the emotional aspect of healing. Driven by the desire to bring joy and light into the lives of those affected by cancer, Lisa established a year-round program that provides ongoing support to thousands of women. You Night’s focus on the emotional and psychological needs of women diagnosed with cancer extends far beyond the runway. Many women, facing the challenges of cancer or recurrences find ongoing support crucial. The program fosters lifelong friendships, creating a network of