Still I Rise Podcast

Lisa McKenzie, Founder of You Night Events

Featuring everyday Shereos and Heroes sharing inspiring stories of  how they persevered after a  life- altering event.

Story Crafting is a program of You Night Empowering Events and the We Lift You Up Fund - a 501c3 public charity.   Our primary focus is to address emotional healing and to help women find a path forward after a cancer diagnosis.  However, future plans include stories of trials and triumph from every walk of life.

For more information about the Story Crafting program, visit:  www.younightevents.com

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

"My Bleeding Heart" by Zita Mirabile
Jul 3 2024
"My Bleeding Heart" by Zita Mirabile
An excerpt from Zita's story:  "Joy and sorrow can coexist, so let your precious tears fall like diamonds on the floor for there is healing in releasing this built-up pressure, like the white teardrop that emerges from beneath the broken heart of the flower plant. There is value in emotion as in diamonds. It is the release and relief that cleanses, restores and balances the mind, body and soul. As brother Mike said as I lay crying one day, “It’s okay and important to feel the hard emotions and cry.” We are all just walking each other Home. So mom, when we see you again in Heaven one day, it’ll be our turn to say, “Put on the water, let’s have tea!” ~ granddaughter Kristina. To my husband Gerry, thank you for loving all of me 143. My beautiful family, friends, coworkers and healthcare team- Thank You!"Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"Square Peg" by Jenna Steele
Jul 2 2024
"Square Peg" by Jenna Steele
An excerpt from Jenna's story: "Throughout my journey, feeling like a square peg, my husband Rich has been my cornerstone. He is my Superman. Rich is compassionate, caring, loving, non-judgmental and could make me laugh during the darkest days. He gives "tough love" even when I don't want to hear it. Rich made some very tough medical decisions that I would never have agreed to, but I am very grateful that he did. He reminded me constantly that we had two very young sons that needed both a father and a mother. Even if I didn't want to fight or be strong any longer, he would have me look at our boys. This gave me the strength to keep on fighting every time. My family has been my motivation- my husband, my boys, my parents and my sisters. Without their help, support and motivation, I do not think I would still be here.  You need to look out for number one.  You need to take care of yourself. You need to be your own advocate. You need to do what is best for you, physically and emotionally.  As time passes, the square peg keeps trying to fit into the round hole. The hole begins to get bigger and bigger, to the point where the square peg does fit into the round hole. We all are beautiful and are enough just the way we are. We are born worthy of love and acceptance. Love your little square peg- love yourself no matter what."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"Butterflies" by Maureen Benz
Jul 2 2024
"Butterflies" by Maureen Benz
An excerpt from Maureen's story:  "My sisters were also my light. During my first diagnosis, my sisters would be there during my chemotherapy. One would drop me off, and another would pick me up. My oldest sister would go with me to appointments, pull out a notebook, and take copious notes. During my second diagnosis, she would change her work schedule to be with me during my chemotherapy. She would take me out to lunch or shopping after my infusions. When I lost my hair, my sisters lined up to have their heads shaved. They reasoned, I did not have a choice about losing my hair, but that they did. During my second bout, my two brothers got into the act and shaved their heads too!My family tried to encourage me, especially when I was down. This past April, I had what you could call “survivor’s guilt.”   Two friends passed away from cancer about a week and a half from each other. I kept thinking, “Why am I still here? I have had cancer twice and am still here. Their deaths do not make sense.”  My sisters encouraged me to look at the positive and not dwell on the negative. They told me to think how lucky I am to remain here. Like the butterflies that come out of a dark space, so did I."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"The Rose" by Audrey Walsh
Jul 2 2024
"The Rose" by Audrey Walsh
An excerpt from Audrey's story: "My guiding light has been my children and my now husband. My son, at the age of fourteen, was wiser than he knew. The day I received the call for the biopsy, my son looked at me and said “Mom don’t worry, you will be just fine.” My son and daughter helped in every way possible- from learning to change the dressings to taking care of the radiation burns. My son would come to radiation with me so I wasn’t alone and I had a puppy to keep me moving. I took my puppy for walks since I could not just let him out into a yard. My future husband came to stay with me and asked me again to marry him, but again, I refused. He persisted and proved to me that he was the one. We married after my treatment was finished, in the Gloria Gemma office, with Maria as a witness, my two children and Gary Calvino officiating.   I have learned from life experience that strength and wisdom can come from the places and people that you would never expect. I have grown into a beautiful pink tea rose with many, many petals. You can overcome anything with the help of friends and family."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"The Sparkling Dahlia" by Jamie Johnson
Jul 2 2024
"The Sparkling Dahlia" by Jamie Johnson
An excerpt from Jamie's story: "My battle against breast cancer wasn't just about survival, it became a catalyst for change- igniting a passion within me to redefine my life's purpose. The journey was far from easy. It has been filled with many tears, therapy sessions, soul-searching, and of course art, creativity, and now photography. I am working to redefine my core values, set boundaries to protect my well- being, and chase my dreams with an unwavering determination. I am working to get my sparkle back.As I walk on this path of healing and transformation, my message for others is to break free from the monotony of everyday life, to live each day with passion, and to embrace the present moment as if it was your last. Create a bucket list, cross things off your list, tell the people you care about that you love them.Above all, love yourself, just as you are today, in this very moment."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"I Stand Strong" by Eileen Cairo
Jul 1 2024
"I Stand Strong" by Eileen Cairo
An excerpt from Eileen's story:  "I am stronger than I thought I was. I am not looking at it as "my cup is always full" but more towards  being that of Superwoman. I have been faced with many challenges over the  years from health challenges to parent challenges and found that I am a  fighter, I am strong and there is nothing that I can’t overcome. Every outcome, good or bad, is a lesson that makes you stronger and wiser over time. Cherish every moment with loved ones and don’t put off doing something that you really want to do. There might not be a tomorrow, so you have to live everyday like it’s your last. Know that you don’t have to go through things alone. There is always someone out there to help you get through the toughest times whether it is your significant other, family member or a friend. Never let the challenges in life get the best of you. You're not alone!"Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"The Great Transformation" by Renee Vargas
Jul 1 2024
"The Great Transformation" by Renee Vargas
Excerpt from Renee's story:  "I have overcome adverse childhood experiences. I continue to work on self-growth and acceptance. I thrive to make every day better than yesterday. Challenges will arise but I am stronger now. I am breaking through. I have scraped part of my chrysalis. I see the sunshine. It is so much brighter than the darkness. I am embracing the change. I am transforming into a grateful, beautiful butterfly. I am starting anew. I am blessed for everyday God opens my eyes. I try not to miss opportunities. I take chances. I do what matters to me. I spend time with friends, yes! I have many now. I am proud of the foundation my first-born David and his high school sweetheart Sarah are building together. Codee is growing into an incredible young man. I have the love I crave from a partner and embrace making memories with Michael, and our families. In hindsight, I appreciate each of the experiences I have endured, but they have molded ME.When you find yourself wandering around lost like the caterpillar and surrounding yourself in the darkness of the chrysalis, be thankful for little things, look for the brightside to every situation, believe in and stay true to yourself, embrace differences, and be kind and respectful. These are ways to divert yourself to seek the sunshine and when you do, you too will transform into your own beautiful butterfly."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"Sea of Hope" by Elizabeth Diaz
Jul 1 2024
"Sea of Hope" by Elizabeth Diaz
From Elizabeth's Story:  "Life happens, friendships come and go, things change after a life altering experience, but I knew God did not abandon me. My family began praying the rosary. Things changed so much for me. I became calmer and very much at ease. My son was my number one driving force. I knew he needed me, but I needed him more. As exhausted as I was staying afloat, I had no choice but to continue to swim to overcome these high waters. God stilled the waves and I swam until the sea became calm again.  My faith has taught me to embrace what I cannot change and make them opportunities that give hope to others and build resilience. Some waves are bigger than others to overcome, but those are the ones that impact on our lives and leave imprints in the sand."Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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
"Like Daddy, Like Daughter"  by Jennifer Passarella
Jun 21 2024
"Like Daddy, Like Daughter" by Jennifer Passarella
From Jen's story entitled "Like Daddy, Like Daughter""Acquaintances, close friends, and family have told me that I inspire them with what I’ve gone through, and my response is always, “I didn’t have a choice. I just kept moving because I had to.” And they all respond with something like, “Sure, but you overcame all this trauma in such a way that was positive and not everyone can do that.” Listening to that repeatedly has truly made me believe that I am resilient. Just because the worst thing in the world has happened to me, doesn’t mean I have to play the victim card. I put on my big girl pants and freakin’ crushed it. That’s what my dad taught me…”Like Daddy, Like Daughter!” I want to scream to the world, “YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!”Hello!  I'm Lisa McKenzie, the Founder of You Night Events and the "We Lift You Up" fund 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping cancer survivors find a path forward after a diagnosis.  Life is never the same after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  For many, the trauma of the experience can interfere with living life to the fullest.  Our "Story Crafting" Program helps individuals deconstruct a challenging life event and reconstruct it.  Listen in!Support the showStill 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