It was a runway experience like no other: You Night hosted its Masterpiece Soirée Cancer Survivor Runway Show & Celebration on Oct. 14.
“We help women embrace life beyond cancer,” says this cancer survivor support group’s website with this event showcasing women who participated as part of its Runway Empowerment Experience, just one of You Night’s programs that address “the critical component of emotional healing after a cancer diagnosis.”
This runway show, themed “La Vie en Rose” featured 32 models from its class of 2023. Cheering them on, in addition to friends and family, were 60 alumnae of the program, representing classes from the past 10 years. They came from every walk of life and had or have different cancers.
Gallier Hall was transformed by balloons and other decor into a French-inspired setting with a Marie Antoinette flair — even the Merry Antoinettes and Oui Dats de La Nouvelle Orléans walking krewes made an appearance.
A number of speakers were featured, including You Night founder Lisa McKenzie and Survivors Cancer Action Network’s (SCAN) Julie Stokes. SCAN is launching a free statewide platform to help thousands of cancer patients and their families find support and resources in Louisiana. You Night is partnering with it.
Other special features of the party, sponsored by the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, included 100 auction items including a live art painting by Frenchy, as well as catering by Patton’s Caterers, PF Chang’s, Outpost 45, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, among others, and beautiful French-inspired cakes.
And of course, no celebration is complete without dancing — music was provided by DJ VNM.
Fun Fact: You Night will celebrate 10 years of empowering women diagnosed with cancer. To date, more than 500 women in the St. Tammany and New Orleans area have been gifted the You Night Runway Experience since the company’s inception.
