You Night St Tammany 2018 Runway Program by Lisa McKenzie, You Night Events

w w w.younightevent s.com You Night St. Tammany Class of 2018 Thursday, October 25th Castine Center

Empower One. Impact Many.

Center for Women' s Health

PICTURED FROM THE CENTER FOR WOM EN' S HEALTH (Back Row ) Kelly N. Brew ster, WHNP, Casey Barnes, FNP, (Front Row ) Jamie Hymel, M .D., Katherine L. Williams, M .D., Rachael Cresap, M .D.

104 Innw ood Drive

Covington, LA 70433

Specializing in Robotic Surgery, Normal and High Risk Pregnancy, M enopause and Gynecological Care w w w .cw hnorthshore.com

Phone: 985-249-7022

Fax: 985-249-7048

Specializing in Vulva Vaginal Disorders, Pelvic Pain, Sexual Dysfunction and Lichen Scierosus w w w .SIWSH.com

Southern Institute for Women' s Sexual Health

PICTURED FROM THE SOUTHERN INSTITUTE FOR WOM EN' S SEXUAL HEALTH: Kelly N. Brew ster, WHNP, Jay Saux, M .D., Katherine L. Williams, M .D., M ichelle Sierra, PT

F ighting beside you, fighting for you! The theme of this year's You Night, challenged our providers and the organization as a whole to ponder what it means to fight for something, something you believe in, and something you have become a part of. In many ways, we are all warriors inside. We train in our day-to-day lives, routines and demands, until we are faced with the battle of a lifetime, and then we stand up, strap on our determination and go into fight with a resolve of taking the enemy --cancer--to the turf. Whether you are a survivor, a newly diagnosed patient, or a provider, we all have one thing in common.... we fight with everything we have to live the best life, helping those around us along the way. The providers and staff at the Center for Women's Health, have been committed for the last 5 years to being a legacy sponsor for You Night because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate their victories, and have a platform for new opportunities and possibilities. Our field of practice is focusing on Women's Health, and overall wellness but to be there for our patient's through every stage and event of their lives, celebrating their successes and supporting them in their trials. CWH strives to provide an environment that focuses on the patient, her needs, wellness, and any healthcare concerns she may be experiencing in surroundings that will provide the best opportunity for success. The providers at the Center for Women's Health specialize in normal as well as high risk pregnancies, extensive robotic gynecological surgeries, as well as the development of programs for conditions that contribute to health issues that are very specific to women of all ages such as interstitial cystitis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome to name just a few. We pondered what it takes to go into the battle of a lifetime and fight with everything in you. We realized that our patients and our community need to know a little bit more about the warriors that are fighting alongside of them. A successful tactical team is only as good as its leader. CWH attributes much of its success in healthcare and business to its leader who has a continued, positive vision for the women in this community, Kat herine L W illiams, M.D. Inspired by the plight of many breast cancer survivors, continues to address obstetrical and gynecological concerns but has realized a calling to help women who are experiencing female sexual dysfunction. She has practiced in OB/GYN for over 20 years, is an expert in robotic surgery, and is a fellow in ACOG and ISSIWSH. She continues to be an integral part of many leadership roles in the community, fighting with passion

and integrity for women and our families. Dr Rachel Cresap M.D. is a fellow of ACOG and has practiced for over 8 years in this community taking care of women in all stages of their obstetrical and gynecological lives. She exudes a passion to go the extra mile often for her patients, the staff here at CWH and our community. Her love of medicine cannot be compared to her love of her family and what her husband Randy and her two children John and Ann mean to her. When you think of those that fight for a cause you think of tenacity and a desire for success. Dr Jamie Hymel M.D. is a board certified OB/GYN and has been with CWH for 3 years now. As her love for taking care of women from early teens through menopause has grown, so has her desire to be everything she can be as physician in this community. She understands the demands that are placed on women today and is truly excited to add to her arsenal of expertise. Dr Hymel is excited to be able to soon provide robotic surgery to her patients as a means of reducing the burden of surgical recovery. Paul said, fight the good fight. Kelly N. Brewst er, W.H.N.P has been doing just that for the last 14 years with CWH. She is a patient advocate and truly tries to address all of their needs through adolescence and into menopause. She has become an expert in the field related to polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance, serving not only women in our local community but working with those throughout our state as well. Leading is in her nature and she has taken on an administrative role at CWH for the last 4 years providing an avenue for future growth and success for the practice. Victory is best experienced when working as a team. We are extremely excited and privileged to bring Casey Barnes a certified Family Nurse Practitioner onto the staff at CWH. She adds to the team through her 6 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Women's and Infant Services most recently working with the Women's Services at St Tammany Hospital. Although new to the team, her addition proves to be significant by her passion in taking care of women throughout their lifespan with great care and professionalism. It is our hope, as seasoned warriors for the You Night cause that we would generate an unquenchable desire in you to be a part of the good fight, to make a difference for cancer survivors, but more than this to make an indelible mark in your world and the world around you. We congratulate the warriors that will walk before you tonight. They have battle wounds that don't define them, but instead ignite them.

A s we are all touched by cancer, we are partnering with our community to care, to unite and to live!

With 14 million cancer survivors in the United States today, there is a growing need to address the emotional and physical needs that women have after a cancer diagnosis. As we continue to develop our program, we learn of greater ways we can help serve the patients, their families and the medical community through this empowering program, that serves as a unique sisterhood and support group. Many individuals make this program possible, including our coaches, sponsors, salons, boutiques and countless number of volunteers. Thank you also to the friends and family members who came tonight to support these brave models as they share their personal journeys, and celebrate their strength and newfound sisterhood. The time we have spent with the models preparing for this event has been very special, and has indeed united us all. To date, 250 participants from St. Tammany and New Orleans have joined the You Night Sisterhood, founded in 2013. 22 new sisters will be walking the runway tonight. Thanks to sponsorship and attendee ticket sales, You Night is able to gift the five month empowerment experience to our participants. You Night's mission is to help women embrace life after a cancer diagnosis. It is our hope that this program will help address the many needs of survivorship, and that the You Night experience will have lasting, positive impact in the lives of all involved. It is our belief that empowering individuals will positively spill out into the community, serving as hope and inspiration for others.

W ith love and appreciation, The Y ou N ight P roduction Team Lisa McKenzie , Founder/ Executive Producer Rhonda Ebel & Marie Campo, Event Co-Chairpersons Angela Becnel / Catering & Logistics Tara Huguet / Administration Becky Gilbert Logistics & Guest Registration Manager Deborah Tonguis, Programs Team Leader Stephanie Rivers, Sponsorship Team Leader Dawn Gallo, Model, Salon and Boutique Liason Elaine Roark, Producer of the Producer Holley Haag, Media Relations Tammy Broussard, Leslie Legania & Lauren Siegel Runway Training Team Leslie Legania, Alum Choreography Joyce Varghese, Music Video Choreography Dylan Maras, Photography and Videography (W hite Donut Productions) Melissa Johnson, You Night Team Photographer Joy Newhouse, Correspondence Tracie Morris Schaefer, Studio U Photography Candra George, My Creative Reality Photography Deidra Langridge, Outreach Coordinator Kristyn Kemp, NOLA Program Team Leader Ruth Avila, NOLA Board of Advisors Chair Deborah Tonguis, St Tammany Board of Advisors Chair Rhonda Ebel & Cheryl Livaudais St Tammany Big Sisters Rhonda Ebel and Marie Campo, Retreat Chairpersons Cheryl Dendinger & Ysonde Strecker, Dressing Room Tricia Basil & Anna Basil , Graphic Design "W ings" Grey Spiller, On-Site Logistics Coordinator Sharon Judice, Guest Experience Carolyn Mayley, Date Night & Guest Speakers Nancy Thayer, Launch Party You Night is a program made possible from funding by t he "We Lift You Up" Fund --a 501(c)3 fund w hose mission is to help women embrace life beyond cancer.

C ollection 1

C ollection 2

FORMAL W EAR

CONTEMPORARY C O V I N GT O N

Town & Country Bridal

Pictured: You Night St.

Tammany 2016 role model and

Southern Bridal Dreams

2018 Co-Chairperson Rhonda Ebel

Pictured: You Night St.

Ruby

Tammany 2016 role model and 2018 Co-Chairperson

Maiya Boutique

Marie Campo

Chico's Ballin's The Villa

C ollection 3 C ollectionGRAND 3 FINALE

jeantherapy GRAND FINALE Jeans by Jean Therapy 5505 Magazine St. New Orleans

Pictured: Shemal McKnight, You Night New Orleans Class of 2018 wearing Jean Therapy and "Fierce Beauty Revolution" Crystal T-Shirt (available at the You Night boutique)

O fficial S alons Hair and Make-up for the St. Tammany Class of 2018 provided by H2o Salon Northshore AND Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar

Gina Pausina-Cherry Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal The Villa Jean Therapy

M icaleen Husser Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal Ballin's Jean Therapy

Shelly Deynoodt

Jannie M arkey

Elaine Cutrer

Hair & Make up by H20 Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal Southern Bridal Ruby (Hammond) The Villa Jean Therapy Jean Therapy

Lynda Lambert

Susan (M ary) Stew art

Shannon Wilson

Hair & Make up by H20 Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal Southern Bridal Ballin's Ballin's Jean Therapy Jean Therapy

Jessica Lafleur

Hair & Make up by H20 Hair & Make up by H20 Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal Southern Bridal Southern Bridal Chico's Ruby (Hammond) Chico's Jean Therapy Jean Therapy Jean Therapy

Peggy Cromer

Tammy Riley

Brenda Long Hair & Make up by H20 Chico's Jean Therapy

JoAnn Bloodw orth Hair & Make up by H20 Southern Bridal Chico's Jean Therapy

Karen Ziebarth Hair & Make up by Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar Town & Country Ruby (Hammond) Jean Therapy

Julie Taglauer

Tania Summers

Sue Ellen Stew art

Heidi M agrath

Hair & Make up by Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar

Town & Country Maiya Boutique Jean Therapy

Saint Tammany Class of 2018

Samantha Dufrene

Lori M astio

Erin New man

Kristen van Leusden

Hair & Make up by Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar

Town & Country Maiya Boutique Jean Therapy

ERIN NEWMAN My name is Erin Newman and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in August 2006 at the age of 19. Initially, I thought my cancer was a death sentence. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Cancer taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I always thought I was strong, but cancer taught me just how strong I could be. I knew fighting the cancer was my only option; so, I became a cancer fighter and warrior. I endured six months of aggressive chemotherapy and one month of daily radiation treatments. My family are the ones who deserve most of the credit. When I became ill from the chemotherapy, my parents and my sister were there to nurse me back to health. My mother was by my side during every doctor visit and hospital stay. My family was always there to pick me up whenever I felt defeated from a set-back. However, every set-back became just another hurdle that was overcome. In March 2007, after completing my last radiation treatment, I was able to call myself a cancer survivor. Cancer doesn't define me, but it helped shape me into the woman I am today. During my cancer treatments, I was cared for by the most incredible nurses. Their compassion and commitment to helping others inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I am now a critical care nurse and I get the opportunity to help other patients and their families through difficult times. In addition, after completing my treatment, I wanted to give back and help other cancer patients. I began volunteering at my oncologists' office and I continue to mentor young adults with cancer. I will forever continue to be a guiding light for others during their darkest times. My experience with You Night is one that I will never forget. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. You Night has helped me realize that I do have a purpose in life. This organization has taught that while caring for others is important, it is essential to also take care of ourselves. You Night has helped me realize that I am worthy of receiving the same loving care that I provide to my patients every day.

ELAINE CUTRER My name is Donnis ?Elaine?Cutrer and I was diagnosed on December 8, 2017 with a very rare type of cancer: vulvar cancer. I had been suffering with what I thought was just a bad yeast infection, so I went to my Gynecologist who gave me medication and said my infection should clear up. But it didn?t clear up. It got worse. A few months later, I discovered some unusual skin irritations, but was again told not to worry about my condition, that I was just healing from a yeast infection. The skin lesions continued to grow so I got a second opinion with Dr. Beacham in Hammond. He told me that I definitely did not have a yeast infection and took a biopsy. A week later he told me I had vulvar cancer. This is not a very common type of cancer. He then sent me to Dr. Bradley in Covington who said that surgery was out of the question due to the position of the cancer. Chemo and radiation were prescribed to treat my Stage 1 skin cancer of the vulva with Dr. Elson, a radiologist at Mary Bird Perkins in Hammond. The hardest thing I had to do was tell my husband and four grown children. The second hardest thing I had to do was to tell my sister and brother because we lost our oldest brother to Pancreatic cancer in November 2011. Then there were all my grandchildren. It was devastating. All my treatments were finished on March 21, 2017, the day of my 37th wedding anniversary. I had the regular side effects like weight loss and hair loss, but my recovery was made even harder because I literally couldn?t sit down. I had to lie down for most of my painful recovery period. But thanks to God, my husband, family, friends, prayers, cards, texts, and church members who helped, I made it through. When I was finally able to sit up, I was asked to join a cancer support group hosted by 2017 You Night Alum Leah Wilkinson. I never knew the love and support that I would get from it. Leah is also the one who asked me to join You Night and I am so glad I did. Leah lost her battle with cancer this year, and won?t be able to be here with me as I walk the runway tonight, but my fellow 2018 St. Tammany You Night sisters have given me the love and support I needed to be here. I love them all so much and am so thankful to be here tonight.

GINA PAUSINA-CHERRY My name is Gina Pausina Cherry and I am a mom to three handsome and loving sons, ages 14, 16 and 21. They are my ?everything?. I am newly married to an amazing man, Benjamin Guillory, who has been at my side every step of the way through this recent cancer journey. Unexpectedly, 5 months before our destination wedding was to take place, I got a devastating breast cancer diagnosis: Stage 2, triple negative and BRCA positive. So, what should have been one of the most exciting times of my life became one of the scariest. I learned through my beautiful and loving late Mom, Virginia Zummo Pausina, that you have to be on top of your game when it comes to your health and course of treatment. You need to do your homework and be the advocate of your own health. I carefully ?interviewed?several surgeons and oncologists before I found the doctors who I was sure would take the best care of me. I was told by my surgeon that I could not wait until after my planned wedding date to begin treatment, so Ben and I moved up the wedding date by 3 months. With two rounds of infusion chemo administered through my veins before the wedding and flipping the protocol of which drugs to receive first versus last, I looked and felt like myself for our wedding. Everything we envisioned our wedding to be went off as planned! Unfortunately, there was no honeymoon because I had to immediately restart treatment. After treatment, I had a double mastectomy. Then I began the oral chemo. A second surgery is scheduled for November 2018 after You Night. That?s my big sunshine at the end of the dark tunnel. I know my faith in God is strong for all the adversities I?ve had to conquer throughout my life. I know He is there with me every step of the way. ?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans that prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.? Jeremiah 29:11. I cherish every moment with my family and friends and I don?t ever take a day or moment of time for granted. I never questioned ?why? this was happening to me. I thank my husband, Ben, and all our family and friends for sitting with me at numerous infusion visits and doctor appointments. I thank the You Night Ladies who found me when I was so lost in all the physical changes that were taking place from the chemotherapy. All through my treatment, I never skipped teaching my group fitness classes at Franco?s, working my A-1 Mobile Shredding job from home, and attending all of my sons sporting events, no matter how bad I felt. I stayed positive throughout and kept living my life. Never give up, never give in, until you are defeated! Thanks again to all my family and friends that are here tonight to share in this amazing program that You Night provides to us! Love to you ALL!

LORI MASTIO My life up until October 2009 was moving along quite nicely. I was blessed with a wonderful family, great friends and a job that I absolutely loved. I felt like I was on top of the world. My last checkup in July was fine, as usual. I?d just gotten home from the gym and was about to hop in the shower when I noticed it?..what the heck??? Every time I lifted my arms up over my head a little spot on my breast just puckered in ? ?sooo weird? I thought. I never considered for one moment this was anything to be worried about. Better safe than sorry though, right? I called my OB/ GYN and they scheduled an appointment for me that day. After my exam, I was immediately sent to get a mammogram which confirmed that I had cancer. Over the next six months I discovered many different things about myself and really grew as a person. I gained wonderful insight about myself and the people in my life that cared about me. God used this situation to show me that I?m not ?indestructible? and can?t and, more importantly, DON?T NEED TO do everything by myself. I learned that it?s ok to lean on other people for support. I had to depend on my ex-husband to take care of my meals, my medications, the house, etc. My best friend, Robyn Ferguson - who had a crazy, busy life herself with a job, husband and three kids was a ROCK for me. She went to EVERY one of my chemo treatments, NEVER letting me quit. I remember after my fourth chemo treatment I just couldn?t face having to do another one, a fact I shared with her a couple of days before the fifth treatment was scheduled. She wouldn?t even consider my excuse and brought to my attention all the reasons why I needed to push through ? my husband, children, family and friends that all loved me and would be crushed if I didn?t beat cancer and get better. She also shared with me the positive impact my battle was having on people at the gym where we both worked. It inspired them, through their struggles, to see me coming in to work while I was going through chemo and staying positive. As crazy as it may sound, I look back at the whole experience as a gift. Cancer gave me perspective; it strengthened my faith, taught me to trust and depend on other people and made me a much stronger person. It?s also given me the privilege of getting to know some amazing women and participating in this empowering event.

JESSICA LAFLEUR Like all of the other women on this stage tonight, I had many life-changing events before being diagnosed with cancer: graduating from college, moving to New Orleans, meeting my husband, the birth of my daughter Sophie, a painful divorce, but most of all, a devastating diagnosis of inoperable Stage 3 lung cancer that eventually took my best friend, protector and cheerleader away from me ? my mom. No way could my life ever change more than that day. Little did I know how wrong I could be. After a routine examination, I was referred by my PCP for a diagnostic mammogram for a possible lump in my breast. My cousin Christine, a breast survivor, and my good friend Tanya met me at the St. Tammany Women?s Pavilion. Still reeling from my mother?s decision to enter hospice, I was happy to have their support, support I know my mom would have given me if she could have been there. I was so scared and numb at the same time, but those who knew I was being checked for breast cancer all said I had nothing to worry about. After everything I had just been through, a divorce and losing my mom, it could not possibly be cancer. But I knew it was cancer that very morning; no one had to tell me. I just knew looking at the sonogram and the technicians? faces. I knew I had cancer. I remember walking out into the waiting room and seeing my mom?s sister, my Aunt Mary sitting there waiting for me. Seeing my Aunt was a harsh reality that I would be fighting for my life without the woman who gave me life. I was petrified. I would not hear the actual words, ?you have cancer? until two days later at a follow-up appointment. I was again accompanied by my cousin Christine, who encouraged me that it would alright. Nothing can ever prepare you for those three words, and once you hear them spoken aloud, your world just stops. You no longer hear anything around you. I remember repeating to myself, ?this can not be happening to me right now?. My mind was screaming, ?What about Sophie? I cannot leave Sophie!?. So I entered treatment and fought for my life?for my daughter. I chose to seek treatment with my mom?s oncologist, Dr. Saux, and radiation oncologist, Dr. Burmedez because she spoke so highly of them. I wanted them to fix me so that I could continue to be with my daughter. The strongest person I have ever known, my best friend, my mom, may have lost her battle with cancer in 2016. But thankfully, my team of doctors, Dr. Burmudez, Dr. Lagarde, Dr. Saux, Dr. Williams and Dr. Wise and their wonderful staff have kept me cancer free. Sophie and I would like to thank them for their professional and personal support. And to my fellow You Night sisters, I thank you for being here with me tonight, for sharing this experience and for supporting me through yet another life-changing event!

HEIDI MAGRATH It started a year before my diagnosis. I had always been very active with my boys in the Boy Scouts, but suddenly I was breathless on short hikes, struggled rock climbing, was easily fatigued, and was so cold I skipped most of the winter activities. I felt like I was aging very quickly. Labs from my annual check-up showed I was critically anemic. Six weeks later I found out that my anemia had been caused by colon cancer. Being diagnosed with cancer caught me off guard. Like a deer in headlights, my mind went blank. I would talk about my cancer as if it was happening to a TV show character ? not to me. The thought of telling my family was worse than hearing I had cancer. I had always seen it as my job to protect my loved ones, now I had to tell them the unthinkable. I tried to be strong for everyone, but I was so frightened. I made it through each day one moment at a time. Thankfully family and friends wrapped me up in their love and support; giving me strength and sunshine on dark days. My treatment included a colon resection and 6 months of chemo. After being so weak from anemia, my goal was to get as strong as possible; so the week in between each chemo I would try to bike at least 3 times. I needed to keep busy to stave off depression, so I would try to go out each day, I learned to play Canasta, and my friends and I played games during my chemo treatments. After months of being cared for by family, friends and my medical team, I completed my last chemo treatment and was set free to return to my life. As the side effects of my treatments diminished, I enjoyed several months where I would feel better every day. It was like I was seeing the world for the first time ? a much brighter, more beautiful world than I had remembered. My senses delighted by the color and shapes of nature, the sound of its creatures, the feel of sun, water and wind, the scents all around, and the tastes of food, after months where nothing tasted right. Every day I wanted to celebrate. I hummed and sang, and danced in the rain! Post-cancer I live as a caterpillar that has emerged as a butterfly! I appreciate life more than ever before, have cast aside my fears, become stronger and more confident. I try to avoid trivialities and stress. I was saved for a reason, and I try to make a positive difference in the world around me. I?ve stopped putting myself on the backburner. I cherish today and try not to put off dreams; after all, tomorrow is a gift, not a promise. ?I?m braver because I fought a giant and won. I?m stronger because I had to be. I?m happier because I?ve learned what matters. I stand taller because I am a survivor.?

TANIA SUMMERS Never in a million years, did I think that I would get cancer, but on December 28, 2016, I was told I had cancer! At that moment of being told my life changed in an instant. My diagnosis was stage III positive, positive, negative, breast cancer. I became very overwhelmed hearing this diagnosis as cancer didn?t run in my family. I felt that I had lost control of my life and in reality, I had. As all of my doctors planned what was going to happen and provided me with a list of appointments for my treatment plan, I was overwhelmed. It was a kick ass regimen. I began my first of 6 chemo?s of (TAC) in January of 2017, which landed me in the hospital several times for blood transfusions and a subsequent compromised immune system. Next, 26 radiation treatments seemed so easy; it wasn?t as nerve-racking as chemo was but by no means was it comfortable. Through all of my Radiation treatments, all I would do was envision myself at the beach with my family to make the time go by faster. Then I had a hysterectomy, double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Through all of the treatments and/ or surgeries I carried a heavy load of stress, pain, and several new physical challenges. All of this fostered the worst thoughts, emotions, and feelings of the unknown that I had never felt before. It was like I was whisked onto a freight train and moving so fast past all the stations. I felt like I had been through hell and back. I cried a lot because I didn?t have any control of my emotions and the fatigue kept hitting me every time I tried to take a step. My boys, Branden and Devin, teased me all of the time because my emotions were out of control, tears, and constant tears. I cried for every little thing happy or not. Through all of this, I researched everything I could about my treatment and then put it in God?s hands. I had a great support team of doctors: Dr. Carinder, Dr. Lagarde and Dr. Trahan without them I couldn?t have completed my treatment. Also, without my mom, husband, devoted family and friends that stood by me through the year and a half of treatments. I could not have kept going without them. Shout out to ?Pam? who held my hand the entire journey - what a super friend! Now in the present, it has been a bumpy transition back to my regular life. I?m trying to find what my new normal is and it is a challenge. Today, I feel like I have conquered cancer and I am a fierce fighter embracing my warrior spirit with a drive to find my new purpose in life. I am now the conductor of the train and look at life in a different way. What I see and what I want to embrace, it is anything that lifts me up. I have the courage to believe the best is yet to come! I refuse to allow stress and sorrow in. I know I can face anything as I am stronger and have more inner strength with the support of my sisters at You Night. I wake up every day thanking the Lord for my second chance.

PEGGY CROMER A two-time breast cancer survivor. Oh, the joys of being a teenager: carefree, invincible, and self-centered! The words ?breast cancer? and ?chemo? were introduced to me as a young adult. My mother, Florence Mizell, told us she had surgery scheduled and not to be concerned. As we sat with our dad in the waiting room, the physician came out and informed us that mother was doing great but they had to remove both breasts due to cancer. Woah! Wait! Did I hear that correct? My mother?s journey was back in the ?70s. It has much improved! At that time mom had to travel across the Causeway to have her chemotherapy. She would be violently sick for several days, nausea then dry heaves. Week after week the same occurrence. After a time, mom would begin with nausea and vomiting prior to chemo. The thought of what was to come made her sick. Also, in the ?70s reconstruction surgery was not performed immediately following removal, nor was it covered under your health insurance. Mom never had reconstruction. The insurance refused to pay for the removal of the breast that did not have cancer and they were left to pay for that out of their own savings. After that, she never wore another blouse without two pockets and was years later when she finally purchased a prothesis to wear a swimsuit. Fast forward to 2002, my first diagnosis of breast cancer. It was insitu and I only needed a lumpectomy and radiation. Mom always felt like she gave me cancer and took this news very hard. I didn?t like talking about my cancer, didn?t really think it was a big deal. What mom went through was a big deal! Don?t get me wrong, there was a lot of crying and fear. In 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the opposite breast. This time Stage 2. Radical mastectomy and chemotherapy were the treatment choice. My family was devastated and yet very supportive. You just can?t imagine the emotions that flood your mind! My husband and children were with me every step of the way. Drs. Gray, Sullivan Suarez were the most patient, caring doctors I had ever encountered. I kept a diary on the internet with ?Caring Bridge.?It is free and a wonderful way to keep your friends and family updated as to your prognosis and a way to keep from answering the same questions over and over again. My motto was, ?Put your Big Girl Panties on and Deal with it.? Some days it was smooth sailing. Some days I had to change those Big Girls panties, several times. Some days my panties had to be mended. Some days you just went without panties. After surgery, my worst fear was nausea. Today?s medications have greatly improved and I never had nausea. I thank God for my family, for the doctors and the nurses that were there for me and my family to handle our needs. I am encouraged by the progress of cancer detection and treatment. I know that if one of my children were to face breast cancer in the future that it will be even better than today and that gives me hope for them and all future cancer patients. ?You Night? helps to empower women and is needed for mental stability. The awareness this group brings and the donations they raise will continue to help those today, tomorrow and in the future. Thank you, ?You Night.?

SHANNON WILSON I am battling breast cancer. There-I said it-out loud. I?ve been avoiding that or whispering the words since I found out. I say, ?battling? because I refuse to own it by saying, ?I have.? I?m sharing this in hopes that my story will help others as their brave journeys have helped me with my new discovery. I truly want to thank all of you who have ever shared going through chemo or having breast cancer. You are the ones who I immediately thought of when I asked myself, ?where do I start?? My brain remembered your stories like it had been cataloging them for this very moment. It was then I realized that I had resources. Friends. Acquaintances. People that I could reach out to, because you were so brave to share your story with the world. I knew without a doubt, I could start with you. You, my brave friends, provided a starting point for me-a baby step of hope. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. That is how I announced to the world that I had been attending over 3 months of scans, biopsies, a MRI, and had my first round of chemo. I turned 41 and 2 months later it all started. A few months later, in April 2016, I would be diagnosed with triple positive high risk breast cancer. Estrogen+, Progesterone+, which feeds/ talks to the cancer. HER2-NEU+, which means my body produces the protein that makes it aggressive and ?walk.? Now, I will never have children naturally. I am the first and only in my family to be diagnosed. I am still a gift. I am worthy. I have lost friends without warning nor explanation, which is heartbreaking and painful. I was alone at the doctor when I found out. ?Mrs. Wilson, your MRI results show cancer.? I zoned out for a moment then came back to what I used to know as reality. I was in shock. I learned that when I learn something shocking, especially personal, I go into ?no emotion mode.? At that point, all I want are the facts so that I can plan accordingly and then at some point allow my emotions to filter in. I had a history of breast surgeries but all benign. I walked out and sat in my car to breathe. My world began to spin. I was so disoriented and spaced out I hadn?t noticed there was a world going on around me. ?Let me digest this first,?is what was going through my mind. My sister later reminded me, ?time is tissue.?I have no recollection of the drive home alone. I directed everything at God. I ugly girl cried angry, confused, laughed, and wanted a snowball! ?I?ll take a small wedding cake with condensed milk in the middle and on top- thank you.? At the end of that drive, I had made the decision to trust God completely. When you have no choice, the decision to give it all to him in faith is the easiest decision. I wanted to fight to live and live to tell about it. I feel blessed even in the worst circumstances and thank God for it everyday. As I make the drive to my parent?s, I think, ?I can?t share this with anyone! Family of course, but I?m a strong woman, I can do this alone. I don?t need help. I don?t like asking for help anyway, so this will be easy.?I had to give in. As much as I battle this daily, I can?t do this alone. I do need help-to keep my sanity, health, mind, soul, and body functioning like a warrior! So my life as I knew it, has changed. I?m still here, just a better version of myself with the help of my family, my favorite humans-my Touro doctors and my new sisterhood in YouNight. My diagnosis is triple positive breast cancer double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. This does not define me, but only drives me. A survivor is a champion with scars from the trauma and the emotions that are etched deep in our hearts mingled in with happy moments. These experiences that knock us down are the same ones that force us to stand and rise. It takes ONE person to make an IMPACT. Every day is a chance to change your life. Believe in yourself! YOU have the power to write your own story

JULIE TAGLAUER There are certain words that you never expect to hear in your life. Some may contain great news - like hearing that you won a big lottery or a new car! Never in my life would I expect to hear, ?Julie, you have cancer.? Cancer became a reality for me on October 15, 2017. I had adenocarcinoma cervical cancer. I was scared. Was this going to be terminal? What would I have to go through to fight it? Why was this happening to me? Earlier in the year my youngest daughter was diagnosed with Anorexia. Between October of 2016 and June of 2018, she had lost 65 pounds. She weighed 82 pounds in June. It was a horrible time! I spent 2 weeks with her at a recovery center in Plano, Texas eating bite for bite with her to get her to eat. When she came home after 7 weeks of treatment, she was on her way to recovery. Life began to look up for both of us! After my diagnosis, I remember asking God, ?Really? After all that has happened, THIS is part of the plan?? The next few weeks were filled with getting scans and blood work. Then came the hardest part of any cancer treatment?waiting for results! I prayed that the cancer had NOT gone into any tissue which would prevent the doctor from performing the radical hysterectomy. Prayers were answered. Two weeks after the initial diagnosis, I had good news. The scans showed that the cancer seemed to be contained, and I was a candidate for surgery. My surgery took place on December 4, 2017. The post-surgery pathology report contained great news! There were no cancer cells in the lymph nodes or any other tissue outside of the cervix. I was officially staged at 1B1. I was thankful it wasn?t 1B2 ? that would have required chemo. I went to see Dr. Elson, a radiation oncologist at Mary Bird Perkins. I thought I was done with treatment, but after looking at the reports, he recommended 28 rounds of radiation. My cancer was considered deep, and the radiation would cut down my chances of having the cancer return by 50%. I decided to schedule treatment. I began on January 29, 2018 and received my last treatment on March 2, 2018. I went in everyday at 7:30 a.m. for my treatment and then went to school to teach kindergarten. Teaching kindergarten is not an easy task. Adding daily radiation to the mix made it more difficult. The fatigue set in, but through the wonderful support of family, friends, and follow teachers, I made it. Cancer has been a rough journey. While it has taken from me, it has also given me a new perspective on life. Life can change in a split second. Words you never thought you would hear can create a reality that you never expected to experience. Cancer has taught me to embrace life and prioritize what is really important. Cancer has taught me to appreciate everything that is going on around me and to take the time to do things that bring me joy. Cancer brought me to this wonderful group of women who are truly fierce warriors! I am blessed!

SUE ELLEN STEWART My knowledge of cancer and the many ways it touches lives began with my sister?s diagnoses of rectal cancer at the age of 48. Kathleen fought hard but God gave her rest in 2001 after 3 years of her cancer journey. She taught me strength, courage, determination and faith. I miss her so very much. In 2016 at the age of 91, my sweet mother, Kathryn was diagnosed with colon cancer. She chose no treatment as she was ready to be with the Lord. She wanted to be with family so we set up hospice care in my home and I cared for her faithfully through the last 5 months of her life. I was scared. Together we laughed and cried together but filled with faith knew that we were doing just what she wanted. I lay with my mom as she took her last breath and felt the glory of God in the room. I came to the realization that one day I would probably face a similar cancer journey even though I always had a focus on health and fitness. I took steps to minimize my risk of cancer by having all preventative screenings, eating clean, exercising and de-stressing as much as anyone can. My cancer reality began much earlier than I thought. February, 2017 I felt a lump in my left breast, within one week I found another lump under my arm. My annual checkup was already scheduled for a couple weeks out, so I took my trip to San Diego to surprise my beautiful daughter for her birthday and spend time with my grandbaby. Back home my OB/ GYN diagnosed mastitis, an infection. Now I really wanted to believe that but, really not so much. I began a course of antibiotics and after day 5 became extremely ill---an allergic reaction to Bacterium, that holy whisper from God that said ?this is not the path?. I had to really push the doctor to stop any antibiotics and order a diagnostic mammogram and biopsy. Even after the diagnostic testing and the statement that my mammogram and ultrasound looked very different, they stuck with the infection theory. I again asked them to please do the biopsy and let?s get to work. The call came a few days later, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, HER2 positive Stage 2B. It was already in my lymph nodes. I was not surprised because I knew God had prepared me. I asked for a full Pet scan as my risk for colon cancer was high and I wanted to know if there were other organs affected. I felt very blessed when I learned it was only breast cancer. I was calm, determined, on a mission and told all my amazing cancer treatment team to give me all they could to stop this but give me a quality of life that I could continue to work, play and live--and that?s just what they did! I managed to function and my body reacted well to the treatments, So Blessed. I?ve completed my 18 month treatment plan with chemo, surgery, radiation and had a follow up Pet scan now revealing activity in my left lung. So here we go with a watchful eye on my next journey, it?s in your hands God and I will fight through this. I Am A Warrior! I am extremely thankful for the strength and support of my family and friends, for this beautiful world of amazing WARRIORS in You Night, a sisterhood I?ll never be without. I am so grateful for the sponsors, medical professionals and advocates for cancer survival, treatment and cure. Through faith and cancer I?ve come to know myself more clearly, finding out what really matters. I?ve discovered unexpected strength, courage, compassion, calmness, a type of serenity and deeper love. I have a huge appreciate of life, friendship and need to give back to help others through their cancer journey.

JOANN BLOODWORTH My backpack was packed with all my gear that I would need to begin my two month, 500 mile long hike on the Appalachian Trail. I was leaving for the trail on April 29, 2017. Before I left, I had to take care of my yearly mammogram on April 12. On April 20 I was called back for a second mammogram. After a 3D mammogram and an ultrasound, the radiologist, Dr. Daley, told me they saw a spot in my right breast and wanted to do a biopsy. I told her I was scheduled to leave on a backpacking trip, and asked if we could do it before I left. She looked at me and told me, ?I don?t usually tell this to patients before the biopsy, but the spot I see is definitely cancer. You should not go hiking. You need to take care of this as soon as possible.? The biopsy was scheduled for April 26. I walked out of the clinic numb from head to toe. I went home and told my husband, Pat, the news. We cried together and held our breath till April 26. The biopsy confirmed what Dr. Daley said. I had stage one invasive ductal carcinoma. The tumor was 9mm. Deflated and shocked, I had to make many decisions in the next couple of weeks. I decided to go to the Breast Center in New Orleans. After meeting Dr. Ordyne and discussing my options I had a right breast, nipple sparing mastectomy with stacked flap reconstruction. Dr. Ordyne said I could still go hiking and we could do everything in two months when I got back. I wanted to go hiking, but my energy level was so depleted after the cancer news I didn?t think it was safe for me to get on the trail. So, I scheduled the mastectomy for May 31 and put my backpack away. Dr. Ordyne and Dr. Blum did the surgeries. The cancer was removed successfully. They said it was caught early. All my lymph nodes were clear! Throughout my recovery my husband, family and friends were there for me. My husband, Pat, was better than the best caregiver. My faith in God strengthened every day and I could feel He was with me every step of the way. I did not have chemo or radiation. I tried to take aromatase inhibitors, but the side effects were so harsh I stopped taking them. I am using nutrition as my after cancer treatment, along with exercise, and close monitoring by my Oncologist, Dr. McEnvoy and my General Practitioner, Dr. Kalmbacher. On July 4, 2018 I was able to do a thirty two mile, five day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. Getting back on the trail was a great milestone in my recovery. I am in my church out on the trail. I thank God every day for my healing and my ability to keep on trekking in His beautiful world.

LYNDA LAMBERT Sometimes ?damaged goods? can refer to more than cancer?s physical scars. This little light of mine was just sputtering through daily life. No surprise when I got Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma, that that flame almost flickered out. I wouldn?t have done the treatments if not for my husband, Shane. He?s the real reason I made it through chemo. We learned a lot about our love through this. It?s strengthening to know that your spouse won?t bail on you and really will be there through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. Even with the best intentions, I think we take those vows for granted at the time they are said. The meaning sure does change over the years. I became more aware and grateful for my husband, knowing I wouldn?t have to go through this alone. It surely wasn?t easy for him to balance the chemo, work, appointments and all of the other responsibilities of our household all on his own. He took me to every treatment, doctor appointment, test, everything. He did everything he could think of to keep me eating and drinking and that was no small challenge. Shane Lambert is my champion. I also had other help through my cancer journey. Marilyn Bowers, Debbie Roma and Deidra Langridge started a ball rolling toward You Night. Dr. Katherine Williams took me by the hand, literally, and gave the last little nudge I needed. These extraordinary women gave me a soft place to land. The example they set is irreplaceable. They have taken me out of my comfort zone. Believe me when I say they have pushed, pulled, dragged and even tackled me when necessary! But they do it together. They said ?Trust us?. I thought it was the dumbest thing I?d ever heard of, but what did I have left to lose? Trusting them is the greatest gift I?ve ever been given. They have cared for, nurtured and coaxed my little flame to burn a little stronger. They banded together to teach me to smile, laugh and love freely without doubt or reservations and to do it every day. Their strength and devotion have prepared me for a very special You Night experience. Thanks to some very special people, I was able to attend the You Night annual retreat this year. So many things happened that weekend for me, the most profound being that for a few weeks afterward, Shane said that I not only laughed but giggled uncontrollably...in my sleep. I haven?t had a nightmare since. My new You Night sisters don?t view me any differently just because I haven?t had the fight that many of them have had. I may have quit on myself before, but I?ll never quit on them. We may be an unconventional sisterhood that cancer has chosen us for, but we shall not go quietly into the night, because my little light is now shining brightly. .

JANNIE MARKEY In January 2015, I received a call from Dr. Robert Velez's office at East Jefferson Hospital saying that he wanted to see me regarding my biopsy results. I knew at that moment it was not going to be good news. I have had a history of abnormal micro calcifications (atypical) cells and dense breast tissue and have had several biopsies and breast tissue removed over the years. I left that morning to meet with Dr. Velez and had my husband meet me there. They called my name and my husband and I went and sat in a room waiting for Dr. Velez to come in. Dr. Velez is such a wonderful and caring doctor who has always taken excellent care of me in my prior surgeries, came in and said, "that the results showed that I had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in the left breast". As I began to cry, I'm thinking, I have Cancer. It was hard to hear. During the same time that I was diagnosed with cancer, I had already met with Tulane Medical School to start the process to have my genetics tested. It was suggested by my OBGYN, Dr. Phillip Rye, since I did not have a family medical history on my father's side. My father and his sister were adopted by two different families and my father did not know he had a sister until he was 18 years old. I did know that my father's sister died of breast cancer in her early forties. Along with my dad's biological sister having breast cancer, my biological sister had breast cancer as well. I considered my cancer diagnosis a bump in the road and focused on the other side of it. I stayed positive and focused on what I had to do and the decisions I had to make to help me see past this diagnosis. I was not going to let it get the best of me. I am still young - I am a wife, mom, grandmother and a lover of life. I was not ready to slow down in this fast lane of life. Upon my cancer diagnosis, I contacted Tulane Medical School to schedule an appointment to have my genetics tested. It would take two weeks before my results were made available to me. Due to the early detection of my cancer, I was fortunate to have several options in my treatment, but I also knew that time was of the essence, before the cancer grew. Based on what I knew of my family history, I decided to have a double mastectomy at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery. I also received my genetic report from Tulane Medical Center showing that I have a pathogenic mutation in the CHEK2 gene which places me in moderate risk for cancer, so I felt that having a double mastectomy was the best possible decision for me. In February 2015, during Mardi Gras, I scheduled my operation and with the caring staff and skilled doctors at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, I knew I was in great hands with Dr. Alan Stolier, as he would perform my double mastectomy and Dr. Matthew Wise would perform my reconstruction, all in one operation. After my surgery, I received wonderful news that my cancer did not spread to my lymph nodes and I would not need to receive any treatment at all since the cancer did not spread outside of the breast duct wall. Even though, I felt very comfortable in my decision, it was extremely hard to come to terms with what was about to happen to my body. There is no other way to say it other than it was traumatic and hard to look at physically and mentally. I attribute my success as a cancer survivor by staying on top of my regular mammogram screenings and early detection. My excellent doctors: Dr. Robert Velez, East Jefferson Hospital; Dr. Phillip Rye, The Fertility Institute; Dr. Alan Stolier and Dr. Matthew Wise at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery as well as the skilled staff of nurses that cared for me. Thankful for the love, prayers and support of my husband who stood by my side and took excellent care of me and all the love, prayers and support from my family and friends. Today, three years later, I am Cancer free.

SHELLY DEYNOODT I am a 49 year old single mom of two wonderful children. Dylan who is 22 and Courtney Ann who is 18. These two keep mama fighting hard. I will make it to their college graduations and more! My journey began in 2009. I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer and had a lumpectomy and radiation. I worked every day and made it through quite easily. I was in remission for seven years; the cancer was completely gone until September 2016. It came back with a vengeance and I have never been so scared in my entire life. I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer that metastasized to my bones. My world was literally turned upside down. Thankfully I had a fantastic support group consisting of my immediate family, coworkers, parents of children that I taught, and friends. Since the tumors are small and are located in just a couple of places, I received radiation and was put on oral chemo medication and by God?s grace, this has completely kept the tumors from lighting up on my PET SCANS! Now, dealing with the side effects of this medication is not fun at all, but I am a fighter and I do the best I can. Of course some days are harder than others but I look at it as ?the glass is half full? and take one day at a time. Sadly the medication I am on has a shelf life; hence, we do not know how long it will keep my tumors away. My awesome oncologist, Dr. David Oubre helps me to keep focusing on the positives and he wants to make my quality of life last as long as it can. This second bout of cancer has completely changed my personality and outlook on life. I take nothing for granted and I make sure my character and integrity are present at all times. I say ?I love you?more now to those who I treasure. In addition, I have turned everything over to God and I have faith that no matter what happens, everything happens for a reason. It is all going to be OK. This diagnosis put me in a shell and I did drift away from a lot of people at the onset. However, God has given me so much strength in the past few months, I really believe that He is working through me to help others in my life; yet if someone walks away from me during my battle, I do not judge them. I just pray for them because not everyone is a caregiver and a lot of individuals do not comprehend what someone with cancer is going through. I would rather be around genuine, loving, and 100% supportive people than to be associated with those who cannot give professed support. I want to thank Joy Shiell Scott who lead me to YOU NIGHT. It means the world to me having my YOU NIGHT sisters by my side, knowing that they care, understand, empathize, are there to talk to, and make me laugh! I AM BLESSED TO BE APART OF SUCH AN INSPIRATIONAL GROUP OF ANGELS! We cannot plan our lives, that is God?s job. We can though, make sure we do our best with what is given to us and be good, humble role models for others, no matter what our circumstances are. I would always teach my first graders the GOLDEN RULE, ?Treat others the way you want to be treated,? because you never know what someone is going through unless you walk in their shoes.

SAMANTHA DUFRENE 2017 was a trying year for me, to say the least. I always felt good about having accomplished all that I did by 25. I believe God felt it was time to humble me and show me the real reasons for life. I was laid off from work, lost my car and became a single mom all in one month. When I thought things could not get any more difficult, I was diagnosed with cancer the very next month. I didn?t feel like I had much fight in me after the emotional month that had just passed, but my cancer journey began anyway. . From the second I was diagnosed every thing, every day was about the cancer inside of me. I felt numb any time anyone tried to give me information or instructions about my cancer. I just did what I was told. My daughter got me through much of this time with her smile, laughs, hugs and kisses. After dealing with all of the tests and finally getting a routine with my treatments, there were a few perks. A family friend threw a benefit for me. I cannot thank her enough for that. It meant so much to see and feel all the support. Knowing I was not alone made all the difference. I had a few tasty homemade meals and little gifts of encouragement along the way also. Friends and family were always checking on me and my daughter. I settled in and adjusted to the new normal. It even became bearable and easier to get through than I thought. But then the new normal changed again. Everyone figures it?s all over and you are fine after treatment, but that is really another battle in itself. That?s why I am so glad to be a part of You Night. All of the women understand what going through cancer is all about? and that made it much easier for me to process my painful experiences without feeling like I was trying to hang onto this part of my life. I wanted to move on emotionally and physically. All of their positivity and love pushed me mentally where I wanted and needed to be. I am still working on moving forward from this and becoming a stronger woman than I knew possible. God?s plan for me to slow down and see life in all its beauty has been my blessing for this trying time.

TAMMY RILEY How do I start the most important story of my life? I decided to start at tonight?this You Night Runway Show?Fierce Beauty Revolution. All of the events over the last few years have led me to this moment to walk this runway with other courageous, beautiful and strong warriors. Each one of these amazing women have touched my heart and inspired me more than they will ever know. They each stare a fierce foe in the face every day and conquer it, quietly and confidently. The power my sisters harness is miraculous! I?ve heard several times over our bonding, growing, strengthening, learning period that I never knew how much I needed this until I was here. The same is true for me. I really didn?t know how much I needed these sisters until I had them. So the journey that led me to this stage tonight began when I was diagnosed on July 24, 2017 with HR+ Her2- breast cancer. After three years of hearing ?it?s a cyst?, ?it?s your age?or ?it?s dense breast tissue?I finally heard ?it?s cancer?. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction on July 28. Having just lost my job, my surgery was put on the fast track before my insurance lapsed. It wasn?t until October that I learned I had Metastatic Breast Cancer with bone involvement in my right shoulder. In January, Dr. Hrom at Hattiesburg Clinic of Oncology and Hematology started an aggressive treatment plan. By March, my pet scan was NED. In August my scan was NED and I?m not expecting anything different on my next scan. I?m blessed to have all the doctors I do, including Dr. Azar my general surgeon and Dr. Reno my plastic surgeon. One thing I do want to stress to every woman is you know your body! Do not settle for an easy answer if you feel something is not right. That?s my main regret. I want to thank my husband, Austin, for holding me up when I couldn?t do it for myself. I want to thank my Mom, Phyllis, for flying in from New Mexico in one day to be here to help. Also, I honor my mother for her warrior spirit, for conquering breast cancer and being a 17-year survivor! I thank my brother Kurt for talking me off the ledge since Dad is no longer here to do it. I am also thankful for my 3DOTS horse family that has touched my heart so deeply I can never repay them. I continue to be blessed by the amazing prayer network that stretched across the US that still prays for me daily. I am also eternally grateful to my former co-workers who bought t-shirts and wore them proudly to show their support. I?m also very blessed to have a new job with a caring, compassionate owner, Dale Phillips. One last thing?my cancer diagnosis was my life sentence! Life is worth living every day and to its fullest! You Night is a life line that helped me recover and fill in the holes and cracks that were not only left by cancer but from past experiences. Thank you, Lisa, for founding such an amazing organization and for granting renewed life to broken souls.

SUSAN STEWART II was diagnosed with Her2+ breast cancer in August 2017. (I refuse to capitalize the word, ?cancer.? It is, ?cancer with an itty bitty c.?) I emotionally shut down as I submitted to the process. I had bilateral mastectomy with DIEP Reconstruction. My cancer was caught early, hadn?t spread, with lymph nodes negative. No matter how this turns out, I know God has me and will take care of me. I?ve completed chemotherapy and will finish Herceptin treatments in November 2018. The diagnosis of cancer itself is daunting, but facing the emotional and physical changes has been the hardest for me. I have always been the ?Go to Girl,?the one everyone comes to for help or advice. I?ve always had a strong self-esteem, and knew what I wanted from life. All that changed in a moment. I remember standing in front of my mirror one day and not recognizing myself. A fat, bald chick with a round steroid face, no eyebrows, eyelashes, not even arm hair, was staring me down! Add to that, a crooked belly button, lopsided tummy and mismatched breasts. I didn?t know this woman. I hid my emotions, kept the strong front up, but inside, I felt ugly, damaged and useless. In spite of how I felt about myself, my husband Ben loved me at my most unlovable. My daughter Haley mothered me through my cancer journey. My son Jeremy encouraged and checked on me and my sweet Mother in Law Helen has taken great care of me. I am blessed with the love and support of family and friends. I remember waiting to register for labs one day and a lady invited me to a You Night event. I decided to go, but had my reservations. I do believe in love at first sight. I immediately loved the women in You Night who have walked the same, yet individual path as I have. They?ve each battled their own demons and continue the battle for their lives. They encourage me, and give me hope and strength. They challenge me to be a better version of myself. They helped me to accept myself as I am. There?s an account in the Old Testament that details the Children of Israel battling the Amalekites. As Moses held up the staff into the air, the Children of Israel would begin to win the battle. As Moses?arms got tired, he lowered the staff, and they began to lose. Aaron and Hur sat Moses on a stone to rest, then stood on each side of him to hold his arms up, so Moses could keep the staff up until the battle was won. My You Night Sisters have mastered this. We help each other to hold up our staffs until our battles are won! I?ve learned life will not magically begin again for me the day my treatments are done. It is now, each breath, each moment, each day. I want to be remembered as a woman who loved Jesus Christ past the temporal circumstance, disfigurement, fears and cancer. I want to be remembered as a Warrior who can overcome any circumstance with God?s strength. I want to be remembered by my humor that gets me through the tough times. I want everyone to remember that I beat cancer like it owes me money!

MICALEEN HUSSER An individual doesn?t get cancer, a family does. I learned this going through my beloved mom and my precious sister-in-law Leah Wilkinson?s cancer journeys. They both lost their breast cancer battles and our family suffered tremendous loss. So, when I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer, my first emotion was not about losing my breast, but about losing my life. How long will I have with my family? God, I can?t leave my grand babies! I scheduled a mastectomy the day after Christmas, but the morning of surgery I changed my mind. Dr. Dugas said a woman has a right to change her mind. After the orders were hastily changed, I had a lumpectomy. I healed enough to begin exhausting, strength-sapping rounds of radiation. After almost 4 years, I still can?t open a jar. Medication, scans, ultrasounds, diagnostic mammograms, and blood-work are now a part of my life. My scars don?t bother me or my husband, but they are constant reminders of my cancer journey. Breast cancer brought me insights into the real meaning and purpose of life. I learned about hope, dedication, faith, optimism, and love every day. Cancer is not just a passing phase; it is a recurring threat that will be present in my life for years to come. I worry that my faith is not what it should be. I talk to God more now. I also pay attention to the caregivers who often go unnoticed and unappreciated, so I try to be a little kinder to my husband. When people asked what they could do for me, I always told them to pray for me. It is OK to ask for and accept help, but I tried to do things on my own. Even so, I appreciated those who brought me food, called or visited. It was Leah who encouraged me to join the 2018 class. She was a model in the You Night 2017 runway show and I was so proud watching her on stage. This was so out of my comfort zone. But Leah made me promise that I would go on this adventure. Being skeptical, I went to the candle pass and really felt the love and support from all of my new sisters. I am loving my You Night journey! Cancer taught me to enjoy my family, meditate, rest, and take care of my myself. I am not promised tomorrow so I make each moment count. I ask God to be with my children and grandchildren and give me courage to face my fears. I know that with God?s love and protection, I will get through all of this and will have eternal life in the glorious presence of God one day. I would like to thank my husband, children, grandchildren, and my best friend/ sister Kathleen. I love you all. Thanks also to my Mary Bird Perkins oncologist Dr. Saux and radiologist Dr. Woods, my North Oaks surgeon Dr. Dugas, Dr. Gaudan, and Dr. Mooney. But most of all, I thank my awesome God, who along with my doctors and supportive family and friends, gave me a good prognosis. ?I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?. Philippians 4:13.

KRISTEN VAN LEUSDEN The year 2015 held so much promise. I hit the jackpot both professionally and personally, things were as close to perfect as they could get. A year prior I had some medical issues that no one could pinpoint or resolve, so I focused on everything else. I never should have stopped pushing. Right before my annual gynecology visit, I found a lump in my left breast. I was due for my second mammogram anyway so she set it up with an ultrasound. The tech called the radiologist in and I knew it didn?t look good. The biopsy in August 2015 confirmed it was cancer and what was originally thought to be just a Stage 0 or 1 bc they couldn?t feel anything in my lymph nodes, turned out to be Stage 4 confirmed by a PET scan and liver biopsy the week before my scheduled double mastectomy. Upon this discovery, the surgery was promptly cancelled and my whole plan overhauled. At age 41 my official diagnosis was Stage 4 triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma. I was devastated and like many others my first thought was how long do I have? Dr. Saux explained that although my cancer was no longer curable, it was very treatable and he had several long term patients, 10-15 years plus! I also found out that my sister had a friend that was diagnosed with the same exact thing 10 years prior, had just had her checkup at MD Anderson and still showed no evidence of disease! Because of this and because my sister lives in Houston, she insisted I see the doctors there to confirm the treatment course proposed by Dr. Saux. I had full faith in Dr. Saux, but do admit it helped to hear from another doctor that they also had long term patients. With a plan laid out by both doctors, and an army of love and support by my side, I returned home to start my 10 rounds of chemo. I fought like hell for the next 8 months, trying to remain as close to normal as possible. I got really good at it, maybe too good because people I knew would forget that I had limitations. When I felt well enough to leave the house, makeup was on and I was dressed up with a wig to match my mood. When I was home, with all this time and no energy to do anything, I would search for positive stories and long term survivors on the internet. Elise Charbonnet Angelette?s blog combined with the company of Deidra Langridge and Debbie Roma in the infusion suite gave me plenty of fuel to keep going and introduced me to You Night, a program to help ease the transition from survivor mode to every day living. The first sign of positive news came 3 months into treatment, my first PET scan showed all tumors were shrinking rapidly! To celebrate, I married my boyfriend of 7 years that night. Every victory, no matter how big or small, is cause for celebration and we continue that tradition with family and friends. Because I?m Stage 4, I receive maintenance treatments every 21 days that will continue indefinitely. I hit a bump in the road in November 2017 when a routine scan revealed 2 small brain tumors but they were no match for Gamma Knife and Dr. Andrew Elson. A 45 minute dose of highly concentrated radiation and I am once again showing no evidence of disease! I feel very lucky. I was once a very high strung perfectionist, a control addict. I?ve learned to be kind to myself and that I don?t have to say yes to everything. It took cancer to get me to stop and look around, be grateful for all I have and retire so that I can enjoy it.

BRENDA LONG For me, my story begins with my family, pretty much about 75% of my life I had to deal with someone with cancer. My Grandma had five girls and they all had cancer; from breast to cervical and uterus. Four of them survived. On my father?s side, my grandmother had leukemia and one of her daughters had uterus and cervical cancer. They both passed away. My mother had three children and two are girls. I was doomed before I was born (LOL). I had five children. Only three survived. My youngest, in 1999 at age 3, was diagnosed with Leukemia and a blood disorder. It was tough but we got through it and now he is 22 years old. In 2014 I discovered some pain and leakage with some lumps in my breast. Deep down I knew what it was ? CANCER. When the doctor came in and said that word I broke down and cried. I hid in the closet and cried. I didn?t want my kids to see me upset for they knew nothing until my first surgery. December 23, 2015 I went in to have both breast and lymph nodes removed, followed by seven more procedures within three 3 years. The last one, so far, was November 17, 2017. As of now, we are good just have to keep an eye on my cells. Keep praying and thanking God and family and a new beginning with a wonderful man.

PICTURED: Eileen Long's family reacts at You Night New Orleans 2017. Photo Credit Tracie Morris Schaefer, Studio U.

KAREN ZIEBARTH I sat on the edge of my seat in the emergency room shouting to my husband Dale, ?Go get somebody and tell them that I am not going to make it.?I was dying and I knew it. I wanted a nurse, a doctor, or anybody to help me. I did not want to die. I was not ready. I knew I only had a few precious minutes to give Dale his last instructions on what to do without me. I began saying my goodbyes: ?Tell the kids that I love them. Please take care of them for me. Don?t let them forget me.? The look on Dale?s face was like I had just ripped out his heart. Then I started to slip away?I felt a light sensation of release when I came out of my body, like letting out a long-held breath. The room suddenly filled with a white mist, like steam rising off the surface of a sun-lit pond. It seemed to surround the nurse, Dale, and my body in the wheelchair. I wanted to reach out to wiggle my fingers in it, but I was not in my body anymore. I could still see and hear all the sounds going on in the room. The last vision of the triage room was of the nurse grabbing the wheelchair and pushing it quickly out of triage. I saw the commotion from a distance like a spectator to the action. Yes, I could faintly see the nurse, Dale, and my limp body in that wheelchair from an elevated, hovering position near the ceiling. I was drawn to the white light. I could feel myself slip further and further away from awareness of my physical body, a body I no longer felt a connection to. I was totally immersed in pure perfect love surrounded with this bright white light and felt FANTASTIC!! POWERFUL PERFECT LOVE THAT COULD BE REALLY FELT!! So, there I was floating in this brilliant bright white light filled with the most amazing perfect love with the sensation of being drawn in an upward and forward direction. And just like that I was in Heaven. Wonderful, glorious Heaven. I got a glimpse. I got to see my mom. I was told I had to come back. And I did come back to face a disease that had almost taken my life: Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. All throughout treatment, and still to this day I can pause, close my eyes, and still FEEL the warmth, the love, and the joy that I felt during that 2009 spiritual journey. I will carry this feeling with me until God calls me home forever. Thank you to my husband for being so awesome, my family, friends, doctors, and nurses who were there for me. Special thanks to my oncologist Dr. Oubre who put up with me throughout this very difficult journey, even from that first time as he ran to the nursing station to get my treatment started. He is the best!

We honor these sisters who lost their battles to cancer this year. Please continue to promote early detection and to fight for and pray for a cure.

You Night sisters are called "Role Models" because they recognize the positive impact they can make in our communities by paying it forward to help other women who are struggling because of cancer. Our sisterhood crest is a symbol of our commitment to one another and to the community we live in.

The You Night Candle Pass is a cherished tradition that each class participates in, where the participants have honest and open sharing about all that they have been through because of cancer.

TESTIMONIALS read more test imonials by visit ing w w w.younightevent s.com I was skeptical. I thought, "How is dressing up in fancy clothes, and practicing walking and making silly videos going to help ME?" I was so miserable that I couldn't see a possible way to feel better. I hated myself and everyone around me. A member of You Night called me one day and asked me to just show up and trust her. The last thing i wanted to do was be around a bunch of people I didn't know. It took me several meetings and practices to start to trust. A few people attempted to break down my ice queen wall and for that I am thankful. Little by little I could feel myself forming bonds with the other ladies. These are friends I would have never met if I wouldn't have had cancer. These ladies helped me see the positive of our situations. I will forever more have a lasting bond with them. Lately, I have been told by several friends and coworkers that they can see a change in me. They can see a sparkle that hasn't been there in a while. I have to attribute that to my You Night sisters. I was wrong about not needing this organization. I needed to be around people that just "got it." Watching everyone be sassy and confident has done wonders for my aching soul. So thank you, You Night, for calling me just one more time. I needed this more than I knew. Angela Palmisano, St Tammany 2017

Little did we know we were signing up for something that would change our lives forever! March 24, 2015 was one of the most magical nights of my life along with my wedding day and a few other special events :) Because of this event I now have a group of new friends I didn't know I needed. Friends united because we have all gone through Cancer and know what the other means by simply saying terms like Chemo Brain, Taxol, night sweats and Tamoxifen. And I have countless other new friends because of You Night and the mission to empower cancer survivors. The list of people involved in getting this event to happen is long and you are all wonderful! I will encourage everyone I know to attend future events! What a fabulous night! -- Kristyn Kemp, NOLA CLASS OF 2015

I feel so blessed and lucky to have been a part of You Night. It was totally empowering. I learned so much about holding my head high, and my shoulders back, and presenting myself in the best way possible. I gained so many new, wonderful friends, and formed bonds with women sharing a similar journey. -- Melinda Breaux, ST TAMMANY CLASS OF 2013

You Night- St. Tammany was an absolute joy to attend. I was there to support a participant and I'm almost certain by the end of her first walk, my throat was bleeding from the insane amount of screaming I did in such a short amount of time. This night brought back such raw emotion for me. In 2009, my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, a diagnosis that only occurs around 5% of the time. A few months later, she ended her fight with breast cancer, three days after my high school graduation. My mom could not yell or scream when my name was called while she sat on the side, but I remember locking eyes with her as I walked back to my seat and knowing that I needed to cherish that time with her. In December, I graduate from Southeastern with my Bachelors in Accounting, and I know she will once again be on the side, watching me walk across the stage. I just won't be able to lock eyes with her this time. Seeing the difference You Night has made in these women's lives has truly lit a spark in me that I can't seem to put out. All in all, what I am trying to say is, that I need to get involved with this organization somehow, someway. This is not an "I want," this is an "I need to." This organization changed the life of so many women in what took months, it changed mine in a matter of minutes as a spectator. With that being said, how can I help? If you only need assistance with stuffing envelopes, I will do it. Guest,, You Night St Tammany 2017

You Night is a year-round program centered around empowering experiences

New Class Meet & Greet

Candle Pass

Healthy Lifestyle Coaching & Activities

Weekend Retreat

Sisterhood

Boutique Visits

Runway Rehearsals

Professional Styling

Music Video Shoot

Monthly Sisterhood Activities \

YOU NIGHT PRODUCTION PARTNERS

Tracie Morris Schaefer Studio U 504-234-8822

PHOTOGRAPHER TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER studiou@me.com

There is a drive inside of Tracie to grab moments. Tracie says, "There is nothing like the satisfaction when I succeed and capture something visually or emotionally moving. I feel it and my client?s feel it." Tracie helps make the posing part of the program fun, truly capturing each participants unique personalities, while also diving into the areas where ladies feel self-conscious. It is beautiful to watch our participants become butterflies, as they learn to not be hard on themselves.

Candra has been shooting professionally since 2007, working with high profile clients, including a current Presidential candidate. Her passion is to help tell beautiful stories that capture the essence of the moment -stories that her clients can treasure forever. Candra has been part of the You Night team since its inception and works with the ladies to help them PHOTOGRAPHER feel more comfortable in CANDRA GEORGE front of the lens. The candrageorge@sbcglobal.net photos she has taken have become treasured keepsakes for our models.

PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER DYLAN MARAS W HITE DONUT PRODUCTIONS dylan.maras@gmail.com

MEET OUR CREATIVE TEAM W HO HELPS CREATE AND CAPTURE THE EXPERIENCES PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, RUNWAY TECHNIQUES, POSTURE, SELF-ESTEEM, & TEAM BUILDING You Night Coaches Tammy Broussard, Leslie Legania and Lauren Siegel all hail from extensive careers in modeling and runway. Tammy was part of the You Night New Orleans Class of 2015, a fashion model and a managing member of Chic Nouvelle Model Management; Leslie is founder of Positive Image Modeling, Etiquette and Charm School and is a professional runway coach in New Orleans: Lauren is a marketing manager and freelance model, often seen gracing the stage of many runway shows including SAKS 5th Avenue fashion shows. This amazing team works with our participants over several weeks teaching them the many skills required to conquer their fears of getting on and owning a runway stage. Techniques range from helping to break negative barriers of self-perception to actual runway techniques used by high-fashion models. All of the skills used on the runway stage are practiced several weeks before the show, including learning how to walk and show off the beautiful garments and accessories, how to walk on and off stage with fierce poses, how to interact with the audience and with each other, spins, half turns and group choreography. Through this program, our participants take brave steps forward to learn something new about themselves, while also having fun and developing friendships that will last a lifetime. If -- after the event -- you see a You Night model walking with their head held up high and excellent posture, you'll know where those life skills came from!

W hite Donut Productions The team at W hite Donut Productions has been capturing all of the beautiful images our guests and participants have enjoyed since the founding of You Night, including the fun video shoots, complete runway shows and still imagery. Dylan's work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, as well as countless other print and graphic mediums.

Meet our Empowerment Runway Training Coaches

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Congratulations You Night St. Tammany Class 2018 So proud of all you ladies!

Youarebrave. Youarestrong. Youarebeautiful! Saf elit e Au t oGlass salu t es t h e r ole m odels in t h e You Nigh t sist er h ood.

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She has been through hell and back so believe me when I say, "Fear her when she looks into the fire and smiles" - E. Corona

Underst anding You Night -by Lisa McKenzie, You Night Founder We get to play dress up each year with our You Night themes, but no theme has ever hit me so hard as the one that we are having this year called, ?Fierce Beauty: Revolution?. Our past themes have included pirates (?Treasured?); classic rock (?Rock the Runway?); fighter theme (?Fight Club?); and 60?s British Invasion (?You Nighted Kingdom?). We change the theme each year to keep our audience entertained with new music and decorations, but the main reason we do this is that there is a really beautiful thing that happens when we bring talented members of our community together to love on and transform our participants into these alter egos. One of my favorite speakers is Amy Cuddy who has a great talk on Ted Talks called, "Your body language may shape who you are. In her talk she says, (paraphrased) "Don't fake it until you make it. Fake it until you become it."

We give our part icipant s -- w ho have been beaten up by cancer -- t he opport unit y to see t hemselves different ly. W hen I chose this theme, an older gentleman said in a meeting, ?I hate this theme. It?s dark and depressing?. His comments came as a surprise, because I thought that out of everyone in this community, he would get it. After all, he has spent his lifetime in oncology and full well knows that these ladies are in the battle for their lives. Is there a pretty way of presenting the battle of cancer? Every day, in our You Night world, we are talking about the battles ? the daily struggles that the ladies continue to have after being diagnosed with cancer. The essence of You Night is that women who have been diagnosed have a safe place to land where they will be surrounded by people who ?get it?and who will give them empowering tools to lead their best possible lives ? despite the aches, pains, and fears associated with this horrid disease.

Keep in mind ? these are regular ladies who didn?t start out as warriors! They are your neighbors, teachers, moms, daughters ? they are people in our community who are just like you and me! They had regular lives, with regular families and then one day someone said the words, ?YOU HAVE CANCER?. Somewhere in that process of understanding the fight before them, they had to go from being a soccer mom or business executive to becoming a warrior ?each and every one of them. One of our participants (Z Ordone) was coaxed into joining our program. Our program is designed to help women embrace life beyond cancer. We do this by offering empowering group activities. One of our programs is called "You Night" where we have a team of empowerment coaches train the participants to walk the fashion runway. It's an interesting process to watch unfold, because many of the women who enter our program do not feel worthy of being on that stage. Z was deeply depressed and had no hope about her future. Cancer had destroyed her and was waging a war in her household. Her daughter dragged her to our first meeting (called our ?Meet and Greet?) where the 24 class members for the current year get to know one another. After being in the room with our team, her new sisters and the alums, she sent me this text. ?I was completely lost with no hope for my future the day before I came to that meeting. After being in that room with all these strong women ? who have gone through the same shit I?ve been through ? it made me feel like I can do this.?

THIS WAS HER WAR CRY. SHE WAS NOW PREPARED FOR THE BATTLE W ITH HER ARMY BESIDE HER. If there was ever a message that I want to get across to anyone who is listening, is that the battle is something these ladies wake up and do every day. Some are still in treatment, and others are many years out. But the war waging inside their bodies and minds continues, because once faced with cancer ? life is not the same. Check ups have new meanings, especially when the doctors give the ?all clear?(followed by the?Praise God's). Check ups have new meanings when something suspicious shows up in the scans (followed by heartfelt prayers). Check ups have new meanings when, for days prior to the appointment, the ?what ifs?start playing around in the head and fear grips the heart and soul. And Lord knows that we need an army of individuals for those who are still battling the disease!

In the midst of this battle, how do these women strip themselves of the label of ?victim of cancer.?I think many of them come to terms with the fact that they will never return to their original ?normal?? as we hear this in their conversations. The quest ion t hey all have to figure out is, ?W hat is

my new normal, and does my new normal have to have a negat ive connot at ion??. This gets to the heart of the matter. In our program, we provide a lot of love, but we also do our best to provide coaching and teaching that helps women develop strength and beauty that comes from within. W hen a woman looks into a mirror without hair and eyelashes, it?s not easy for her to believe that she still is beautiful. UNTIL you see her on the runway stage with fire in her eyes. For some of our participants, it takes a while for the fire to appear ? that?s why our training program lasts for several months. But when the inner fire does appear ? watch out. Once it starts to burn, it?s virtually impossible to extinguish. Because when a woman truly understands her value, and that life is not defined by societal norms of ribbons and bows, it?s a value that can be passed down to our daughters who are watching. W hat better gift is that ? then to show the next generation that despite our struggles, we don?t have to be defeated (and that we can actually be much stronger than we ever thought possible). We have an event called, ?Battle of the Models?. It?s an annual launch party for our season, where we get to introduce the year?s theme and give our alums the opportunity to showcase their runway skills and friendships of the You Night sisterhood. At this year?s theme, one of our alums asked me ahead of time if she could wear a bustier with a body suit, that would reveal that she had one breast. I said, ?Absolutely ? go for it?. The photos of Z are below.

After the event, there were some negative comments made about Z showing her body parts. And I get it ? we are a conservative society and exposing body parts is sometimes frowned upon and it makes people uncomfortable. On the other hand, if ever there is a platform to show the TRUTH about cancer, I believed that Battle of the Models was the perfect place for Z to show the world what cancer did to her. Cancer took her breast, but cancer did not take HER!

If she is brave enough to be on st age show ing t hat a body part has been cut off but t hat she st ill is st rong, beaut iful, amazing and confident , should we not be st anding on our feet giving her a st anding ovat ion?

As my daughter said after hearing some of the negative comments, ?Mom ? you would think that as a society we would have evolved on this subject matter.?She is right. Should we tell these warriors to be shameful? I mean ? is that any of OUR business when they are the ones who look in the mirrors each day! Shame on us if we are the self-conscious ones and don?t applaud them! I feel very strongly about what Z did that night on stage, and hope her courage will resonate with every woman who is facing this battle. YOU CAN DO THIS, but it is imperative that you surround yourself with other strong people who will lift you up and walk alongside you as you journey to this new, incredible you.

] Cancer does not have to be a negative connotation that you assign to yourself. Women are resilient, especially when they are surrounded by people who can equip them to realize their purpose and passion, and it is so much fun watching our participants discover a strength they never even realized they had. Once a year, we get to play dress up to film a music video for the year?s theme. W hen we play ?dress up?? we have a purpose for this. For one, dressing up allows us to channel something that doesn?t happen in our daily lives. We get to emotionally take on the persona of the costume we are wearing. Doing that with a room full of other women results in a lot of laughter ? which is something not usually associated with cancer. Secondly, we do this because the experience of filming a music video dressed in character results in newfound friendships, that the ladies will take with them throughout the entire runway training process -- and then for years after that. But most importantly, dressing up allows women to explore some deeper truths that perhaps they didn?t consider until they looked at themselves in the mirror and saw a warrior looking back. There are 15 million survivors in the United States. We are thankful to the incredible team of physicians, family members, friends, salons, stylists, photographers, videographers, choreographers and those who come just to serve. We are grateful to those who go to battle everyday for these survivors. It is our hope, through our program, that we can continue to find ways to address the psycho-social impacts that cancer has on people, while also rallying the troops in our community who can love on these women and help them navigate to a new, incredible normal.

You are wort hy. Keep on Fight ing. On July 26th in New Orleans, and October 25th in St. Tammany, our shows will have this year?s theme, ?FIERCE BEAUTY: REVOLUTION?. Our alums will open the show dressed as warriors. The new class members will come on stage in formal wear, contemporary wear and the final outfit (provided by Jeantherapy). The music video that they filmed (dressed as warriors) will be debuted prior to their final walk. The song that they filmed to is Christina Aguilera?s ?FIGHTER?.

SILENT AUCTION

Tonight's highest bidder wil l own a CUSTOM LUCA FALCONE SUIT St ar t in g bid $400 Valu e $1,500

2019 Key Dates

Deadline to apply to be a model January 15t h Launch Part y for NOLA & St Tammany / Bat t le of t he Models Sat urday April 7t h, Movie Set s Slidell Weekend Ret reat open to all female cancer survivors June 13 - 15t h, Solomon Episcopal Center You Night New Orleans Sat urday, July 27t h Contemporary Art s Center You Night St . Tammany, Thursday, October 24t h, Cast ine Center Mandeville

Lifet ime Legacy Part ners & Donors Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Crescent River Port Pilots' Foundation

Paretti Family of Dealerships

Law Offices of Chip Forstall

Edward Womac

Kendra Scott

Safelite Auto Glass

Melissa Hodgson

Michele Cooper

Shane & Holley Guidry Foundation

Ochsner

AFLAC Raymond James St. Tammany Parish Hospital

Bergeron Motors Center for Women's Health

Ochsner Clinic Foundation/ St. Tammany Cancer Center Northshore Dermatology (Dr. Tabor)

Center for Women's Health/ Southern Institute for Women's Sexual Health Diagnostic Imaging Services Associated Branch Pilots

Northshore Oncology

Ponchartrain Pharmacy

The Sculpting Center of New Orleans

A-1 Mobile Shredding, LLC

Kenny Rubenstein

Carmen Burton

Adams & Reese LLP

Lynn Turner

Adolpho's Restaurant/ Apple Barrel Bar

Layton Family Pharmacy LLC

CJ Ladner H2O Salon and Spa (Metairie)

Art Lentini Senate Campaign Fund

James Ellis, MD

Bluewater Marine

Burkhardt Air Conditioning

David Kampen

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA)

EJGH

Alice McNeely Real Estate

Rich Mauti Cancer Fund

Gulf Coast Bank

Pontchartrain Cancer Center

The Langridge Family

Associated Terminals

H20 Salon Northshore

Total Health Chiropractic Clinic

Lakeside Women's Specialty Center

First NBC Bank

Touro

Cooper T Smith Mooring/ Crescent Towing*

West Jefferson Medical Center

Emma's

Keller W illiams Realty

Chemo Beanies

Northlake Moving & Storage/ CGB

Northshore Plastic Surgery

Ken Tate Architect Friends of Jannie Markey

Khoobehi and Associates Plastic Surgery

Jason Guillot, MD

The Bopp Family

Buck Kreihs Marine Repair,LLC

Dynamic Physical Therapy

Snow Financial Group, LLC

Nelly Aoun, M.D.

Ruth Avila

IV Capital Sidney D. Torres IV

Port Ship Service

Shiptech Maritime

Evamor

Florida Marine Transporters

Rehab Dynamics

First Alarm Plumbing

Radiology and Interventional Association of Metairie/ The Radiologist at East Jefferson

Patrick Wagner

Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar

Capital One

Create A Cig

Iberia Bank

Celentano and LaGarde

Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery

Southern Realty

Villars PT, LLC

Stefanie Schultis, MD Barrios, Kingsdorf and Casteix, LLP Folsom Animal Clinic Haynie Family Foundation Larberg, GM Byrd Legacy Church Mary Bird Perkins

The Folger Coffee Company

Rusty Janssen New Orleans Oncology Nurses

One smal l drop in water causes a rippl e effect with never ending forward motion $50k plus since 2013

$40k plus since 2013

$30k plus since 2013

$20k plus since 2013

$10k plus since 2013

$1k - $9k since 2013

You Night Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCER / FOUNDER

WARRIOR DRUMMERS

Lisa McKenzie

Michelle Thibodeaux, - LEAD Thibodeaux Dance Studio

EVENT CHAIRPERSONS

Rhonda Ebel, Warrior Drummer Coordinator

Marie Campo

DRUMMERS

Rhonda Ebel

Megan Gallo Jarrod Broussard

YOU NIGHT TEAM LEADERS

Greg Huguet

Stephanie Rivers, Sponsorship

Sal Judice

ST TAMMANY BIG SISTERS Rhonda Ebel Cheryl Livaudais with thanks to Mei-Lin Roussel for assisting at rehearsals and all the other big sister alums who have poured their hearts into helping with this year's class

OFFICIAL ST. TAMMANY CLASS OF 2018 STYLISTS FROM H2O Heather Mahoney, Owner W ITH THANKS TO H2O Stylists, Receptionists, Phone Bank and the Cleanse and Treatment Department OFFICIAL ST. TAMMANY CLASS OF 2018 STYLISTS FROM AIR SALON AND BLOW DRY BAR

Barry Sevin

MASTERS OF CEREMONY

Tony Piediscalzo

Kenny Lopez

Jesse Lopez

Candice Bennatt

Gail Lockwood-Reuling, Owner

Rayshad Robinson

GUEST SPEAKERS

W ITH THANKS TO AIR SALON & BLOW DRY BAR Stylists, and Receptionists

Scott Turke

DRESSING ROOM

Becky Gilbert

St ilt Dancer

Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President

Tara Huguet

Ngozi McCormick

Center For Restorative Breast Surgery

Noel Hammac

SOCIAL MEDIA

Center for Women's Health

Becky Gilbert, Logistics Tara Huguet, Administration Deborah Tonguis, Programs EVENT LOGISTICS AND REGISTRATION

Russell Robinson

Sharon Judice Stephanie Rivers

Lisa McKenzie PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER Angela Becnel Grey Spiller MODEL, SALON AND BOUTIQUE LIAISONS

Tara Huguet CORRESPONDENCE Joy Newhouse Mary Jolicouer KNIGHTS SUPPORT Michael Holmes, Lead plus all the Knights who support us throughout the year

Dawn Gallo KNIGHTS CENTERPIECE OUTREACH DIRECTOR Deidra Langridge PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Dylan Maras and Team W hite Donut Productions Candra George, My Creative Reality

Designed, Carved and Painted by Tony Piediscalzo PROGRAM, GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINTING Lisa McKenzie MEDIA RELATIONS Holley Haag

Michael Holmes, Diagnositic Imaging Services, "Knight" Program CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP Stephanie Rivers Kristyn Kemp Ruth Avila

Rhonda Perez Cheryl Dendinger Ysonde Strecker BOUTIQUE Julie Hubert Stephanie Rivers POST PARTY ENTERTAINMENT The Top Cats

Tara Huguet

STUDENT PHILANTHROPY

BACKSTAGE CREW

Halle McKenzie

Rhonda Beals Perez

Emma Hubert

Angela Palmisano

Elizabeth Strecker

Debbie Roma

FIERCE BEAUTY REVOLUTION LOGO AND W INGS DESIGN

VIP EXPERIENCE

Tricia and Anna Basil

Deidra Landridge Deborah Tonguis Becky Gilbert Sharon Judice

501(c)3 FISCAL SPONSOR The Infinity Initiative VENUE PROVIDERS

Tracie Morris Schaefer and Carol Costanza, StudioU

RUNWAY COACHES AND CHOREOGRAPHERS

VENUE AND EVENT VENDORS

Melissa Johnson, Melissa Johnson Photography

Tammy Broussard

Fancy Faces

The home of Bill & Nancy Reece (Photo Shoot)

Leslie Legania

See-Hear Production

Castine Center

Lauren Siegel

Skyline Displays

Solomon Episcopal Center

VIDEO CREATIVE Lisa McKenzie Dr. Joyce Varghese

Expo Signs NOLA TEAM LEADERS

Freeman

Ruth Avila Kristyn Kemp

Castine Center

Movie Sets of Slidell

TRAINING FACILITY Stone Creek Health Club & Spa

You Night Production (cont'd) MEDIA PARTNERS Edge of the Lake Magazine LEGACY PARTNER WGNO News with a Twist

Gail Lockwood-Reuling, Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar Kelly Villars, Kelly Villars Physical Therapy

NewOrleansLocal.com

Mike Powers, Bittersweet Brands

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

Rich Mauti, Rich Mauti Foundation

St. Charles Avenue Magazine

Dr. Katherine W Illiams, Center for Women's Health

The Advocate The St. Tammany Farmer Times Picayune NOLA.COM W DSU W W LTV Hoss Communications WGSO BOUTIQUES Town & Country, Metairie Southern Bridal Dreams The Villa Ruby Chico's Maiya Boutique, Metairie

Dr. Scott Sullivan, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Dr. Christopher Trahant, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Louis W illiams, Keller W illiams Realty NEW ORLEANS ADVISORY BOARD Ruth Avila, Chair, You Night Class of 2015 and You Night New Orleans Team Leader Kristyn Kemp, Chair, You Night Class of 2015 and You Night New Orleans Team Leader Lisa McKenzie, You Night Founder

Jean Therapy

Michael Holmes, Diagnostic Imaging Services

PRINTING

Dr. M. W hitten W ise, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery

Docucenter RETREAT CHAIRPERSONS Rhonda Ebel

Dr. Joyce Varghese, Ochnsner

Marie Campo

Dr. Jimmy Ellis, West Jefferson Medical Center

ST TAMMANY ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Nelly Aoun, West Jefferson Medical Center

Deborah Tonguis, Chair, You Night Class of 2017 and You Night Programs Team Leader

Dr. Carrie Marquette, East Jefferson Medical Center

Lisa McKenzie, You Night Founder

Carmen Medine, Law Offices of Chip Forstall

Deidra Langridge, You Night Class of 2015 and You Night Outreach Director

Meghan Kuhn, jeantherapy

Kathy Oubre, Pontchartrain Cancer Center Michael Holmes, Diagnostic Imaging Services Sarah Cottrell, Edge of the Lake Magazine

Holley Haag, First Bank and Trust Clinton Trahant, Red Bull North America Angela Becnel, You Night Logistics Sherrill Monson, Skin Science

Every scar tells a story

We are excited to announce You Night 's new nat ional program called "ScART" (Scar Art )

ScART (Scar-Art) fuses psycho social care, a sisterhood of survivors, and the power of acceptance in a supportive environment. ScART gives participants the opportunity to talk openly about scars, which can often feel ?taboo?, Cancer survivors sketch their scars and turn them into one-of=kind works of art that tell a story. Participants meet as a group with other cancer survivors and then free-form their individual pieces of art to reflect the attitude they have about their scars. Through this experience, they develop a sisterhood of support with other women who have had cancer. Together they learn to find acceptance of their scars, while also seeing that their scars can be seen as beautiful or at that scars can be seen through a different lens. ScART is open to all female cancer survivors. Proceeds benefit You Night Empowering Events 501(c)3 fund, helping women embrace life beyond cancer.

Read Testimonials Learn More Visit Event Calendar

You Night is a sisterhood of support designed around year-round empowering programs.

Being "cancer free" doesn't mean you are free from all that cancer brought or continues to bring in your life. You Night is a program that addresses the on-going needs of women who have had cancer. We offer a unique alternative to cancer support groups, through goal-oriented, team building activities, resulting in a powerful sisterhood of support. We plan year-round activities, including a summer retreat, on-going get-togethers, monthly ScART painting events, and our two signature runway shows. If you know a woman who can benefit from our program, please have them sign up for more information on our website.

You Night helps women embrace life beyond cancer. www.younightevents.com

www.facebook.com/younightevents

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Pictured: The New Orleans Class of 2018 -- now alums --who walked the runway in July at the Contemporary Arts Center