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Welcome back to the Still I Rise Podcast. Today’s guest is someone very special to me—someone who truly embodies everything that You Night was created to be. When Jill Allender first came to us, she was carrying a lot of sadness, as so many women do when they first step into our programs. She bravely joined our summer SPARK program, and that’s where I first saw this tiny seed of hope take root in her life.

And then something beautiful happened. Jill didn’t just participate—she blossomed. She grew stronger and more confident, and she began to discover her own resilience and joy again. From there, she became part of our Class of 2023, and the transformation continued. But what’s so inspiring about Jill is that she didn’t stop there. Once she felt that strength return, she turned around and started planting seeds for other women.

As a Class Director for 2024 and 2025, Jill has poured into our community every single day—checking in on the women, making sure they feel supported, celebrating their victories, and walking with them through their struggles. She has become a leader, a mentor, and an encourager in every sense of the word.

And on a personal note—she has become one of my dearest friends. I’ve watched her journey from sadness to strength, and I can tell you: Jill is the perfect example of the ‘pay it forward’ sisterhood that You Night is all about.

Today, Jill is going to share a story she wrote back in 2023 during our Story Crafting program. We’ll talk about what that story meant to her then, how her life has changed since, and why she continues to give so much of herself to others. I’m so excited for you to hear her heart and her journey.

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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In this special episode of Still I Rise, host Lisa McKenzie pulls back the curtain on You Night’s Runway Empowerment Program and the upcoming YOU NIGHT FIGHT CLUB event on Saturday, October 18th at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center on Airline Hwy in Metairie! Easy to get to, tons of free parking! It's going to be amazing!

Way more than a fashion show, YOU NIGHT is a celebration where cancer survivors step into the spotlight to share their courage, their joy, and their stories of healing. Lisa reveals the Top 10 reasons you’ll want to be in the audience—from inspiring survivor testimonies and Broadway-level production, to the unforgettable energy that fills the room when a community comes together to cheer for its warriors.

And here’s the best part: this event is open to the public. You don’t have to know anyone on stage to walk away deeply moved and forever inspired. Whether you’re a friend, family member, caregiver, medical professional, or simply someone looking for a night of hope and empowerment—You Night is for you.

Tickets are available now—be part of a night you’ll never forget.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/you-night-2025-runway-show-and-celebration-tickets

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

Facing Relapse Anxiety and Scanxiety with Dr. Jimmy Ellis”

For many cancer survivors, finishing treatment doesn’t mean the fear is over. The worry about cancer returning—often called relapse anxiety—can cast a long shadow over daily life. Add in the stress of waiting for scans and test results, and it’s no wonder so many survivors talk about scanxiety.

In this powerful conversation, host Lisa McKenzie sits down with oncologist Dr. Jimmy Ellis to explore:

• Where relapse anxiety comes from and why it’s so common
• Why survivorship has become more complex in recent years
• What “scanxiety” feels like and why waiting for results is so hard
• Practical coping strategies to help manage fear and uncertainty
• The role of financial concerns in fueling anxiety
• The importance of being truly heard by your doctor—and how Dr. Ellis approaches listening with care and compassion

Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who wants to better understand the emotional side of cancer, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope.

We’d love to hear from you! What helps you cope with anxiety or scanxiety? Share your rituals and strategies with us—you never know who you might encourage.

#RelapseAnxiety #Scanxiety #CancerSurvivorship #LifeAfterCancer #CancerSupport #CopingWithCancer #DrJimmyEllis #LCMCHealth #TouroInfirmary #NewOrleansHealthcare #OncologyCare #YouNightSisterhood #StillIRisePodcast #FightClubSurvivors #SheRoseProgram #WeLiftYouUp

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

Today, we’re honored to sit down with someone whose hands heal more than bodies—they help mend spirits. Dr. Mark Stalder is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose work in breast reconstruction has changed the lives of countless women navigating their cancer journeys. With practices in both Covington and Mobile, and as a dedicated father of four, Dr. Stalder brings not only surgical expertise to the table but also deep compassion and an unwavering belief in the emotional side of healing.

He’s not just a doctor—he’s a storyteller through his work, a quiet force behind the scenes, and a treasured supporter of You Night. Today, he joins us to share what fuels his passion, how he finds balance, and why programs like You Night are essential in the journey from surviving to thriving.

Let’s get to know the man behind the scalpel—Dr. Mark Stalder.

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

In this powerful episode of Still I Rise, husband-and-wife team Michael Holmes and Colette Marietta share both sides of the cancer journey. Michael, a devoted caregiver and Chief Growth Officer at Diagnostic Imaging Services, reflects on the emotional and practical realities of supporting a loved one through countless challenges. Colette, a courageous five-time cancer survivor and one of the longest-living known survivors of the rare adenoid cystic carcinoma, opens up about her decades-long fight, from her first diagnosis at age 17 to life-changing surgeries and ongoing advocacy. Together, they explore the strength it takes to stand by each other, the importance of community through programs like You Night, and the healing power of sharing your story. Their journey is a testament to love, perseverance, and the will to rise—no matter the odds.

#AdenoidCysticCarcinoma
#RareCancerAwareness
#ACCWarrior
#LongestLivingSurvivor
#RareCancerSurvivor
#CancerAdvocacy
#RareButReal
#FightingRareCancers
#ACCSurvivor
#RareCancerSupport

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

In this powerful episode, the Still I Rise Podcast host, Lisa McKenzie shares the deeply personal story that led to the creation of Story Crafting — a therapeutic writing journey born out of grief, healing, and the need to make sense of life’s most painful chapters.

You'll hear how Story Crafting has helped women from all walks of life reclaim their narratives, find beauty in the brokenness, and write their way toward healing. Lisa has previously posted two of her own stories ("A Cinderella Story" and "Giants") and today she introduces her newest and most vulnerable piece yet, titled SALT.

Salt explores what happens when women carry their pain like armor — how we become hardened, calcified, when we keep looking backward. But through the act of telling our stories, we soften. We release. We heal.

This episode is an invitation — to listen, to reflect, and maybe even to write your own way forward.

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

ScART: SCAR ART PAINTING PROGRAM

https://www.scartevents.com/

A healing arts program designed to help women find strength in their emotional or surgical scars.

STORY CRAFTING PROGRAM

Winning idea of the 2020 Astellas Oncology C3 (Changing Cancer Care) Prize

https://www.younightevents.com/

In this powerful new episode, @thedrsheliarivers shares her journey from surviving trauma and raising five children as a teen mom to becoming a respected therapist and founder of a thriving mental health practice. She offers deeply personal insights on healing, storytelling, and the importance of putting yourself first—without guilt.

“What’s in the cup is for you. What spills over is for everyone else.”

Now streaming on Still I Rise.

Follow Dr. Shelia Rivers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shelia-rivers-dsw-lcsw-mph-53b5ba19/
https://www.riverspsychotherapyservices.com/
https://www.instagram.com/riverspsychotherapy/
https://www.instagram.com/thedrsheliarivers

#AskTheExpert #StillIRise #MentalHealthMatters #WomensHealth #TraumaSupport #StoryCrafting #ScART #HealingThroughArt #thedrsheliarivers

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

Send us a text

Take Two revisits Kelly Gilheeney’s heartfelt story — a powerful reflection on survival, transformation, and facing breast cancer not once, but twice. Nearly two years after her first recording, Kelly opens up about her second diagnosis, the emotional toll of treatment, and how art, storytelling, and community helped her find light again.

From black clouds to red dresses, this is a journey of strength, grace, and the healing power of connection.

ScART: SCAR ART PAINTING PROGRAM

www.scartevents.com

A healing arts program designed to help women find strength in their emotional or surgical scars.

STORY CRAFTING PROGRAM

www.younightevents.com

Winning idea of the 2020 Astellas International C3Prize — helping women turn their pain into purpose through storytelling.

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com