survivor’s spotlight
Each year we honor Breast Cancer Survivors with a special walk down the Fleur de Bra runway, lead by selected survivors who have looks specially created for them by a team of talented artists and designers. Every survivor's journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us that with love, support, and determination, we can face even the toughest battles together.
Dennise Reno, Breast CAncer survivor
Dennise Reno is a creative director, designer, and communications strategist with more than three decades of experience helping organizations communicate with clarity, purpose, and heart. As founder of RENO Design LLC(https://renodesign.ai/), she partners with healthcare, nonprofit, education, and community-focused organizations to bring complex ideas to life through thoughtful storytelling and design. Known for blending creativity with strategy, Dennise is passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and create meaningful impact. As she marks five years as a breast cancer survivor, she is honored to be in this year’s survivor spotlight and to collaborate with her life partner, artist Demond Matsuo, in support of Fleur de Bra. Having witnessed her mother’s breast cancer journey and experienced her own, she understands firsthand the importance of awareness, support, and hope.
“Having witnessed my mother’s journey and experienced my own, I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate survivorship, raise awareness, and support women at every stage of their breast cancer journey.”
Demond matsuo, Survivor Outfit Designer
Demond Matsuo is a New Orleans-based artist whose work explores memory, identity, and the connections between people, place, and experience. Working across painting, mixed media collage, and large-scale installations, he creates richly layered pieces that invite reflection and conversation. His work has been exhibited nationally and is held in numerous public and private collections. For this year’s Fleur de Bra, Demond is honored to create a work inspired by his life partner, Dennise Reno, as she celebrates five years as a breast cancer survivor.
“Sharing that journey with her has given me an even greater appreciation for her strength, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate how far she has come through my art.”
Christine Javier, Breast cancer survivor
Christine Javier works as a patient care coordinator at New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, offering patients support and guidance through ever step of their journey from start to finish. After early-stage breast cancer was detected Christine underwent a prophylactic mastectomy and now devotes her energy to the importance of early detection and breast health awareness. Her journey in healthcare reflects a commitment to use both her personal and professional experiences to support others through their most vulnerable moments.
“This event means a lot to me because I have personally gone through a mastectomy after catching breast cancer extremely early, which gives me a deep, personal understanding of what patients face. Being here allows me to turn my own experience into purpose by supporting and standing with others on their journey toward healing and confidence.”
Mandy Wienhusen, Survivor Outfit Designer
Mandy Wienhusen is a New Orleans entrepreneur and creative director whose work is rooted in celebrating women through beauty, fashion, and meaningful experiences. As the owner of Town & Country Bridal, Linen Jolie Bridal, DRESSY, and Taken by T&C, she has dedicated her career to helping women feel confident, seen, and celebrated. Inspired by themes of resilience, transformation, and hope, Mandy brings a romantic and deeply personal perspective to her creative work. Her Fleur de Bra design honors the strength and beauty found in every woman's story.
"I have watched women I love navigate breast cancer and the life-changing decisions that often come with it. Fleur de Bra allows me to honor their courage while celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience that exists within every woman."
Tancharelle is a seasoned business development expert, philanthropist, and author with over two decades of experience in experiential marketing and strategic partnerships. Known for her ability to "connect, create, and curate," she has navigated industries ranging from real estate to public relations.
As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, Tancharelle is a "courageous warrior" who champions mental health, women’s wellness, and intentional living. Beyond her professional accolades, she is a dedicated community builder who aligns musicians, organizers, and public figures to drive cultural and economic advancement. Tancharelle doesn’t just build businesses; she builds people.
Tancharelle Washington, Breast cancer survivor
Danielle Hein, Survivor Outfit Designer
Driven by her unique background as an artist, muralist, and agronomist, Hein blends a passion for dynamic creativity with deep environmental stewardship. Her multifaceted portfolio spans more than thirty years, charting a path from early childhood triumphs to a nomadic global footprint that features international murals in India, Japan, and Thailand. Hein’s art serves as a striking reminder of life’s interconnectedness and subtle beauties, inviting viewers to recognize their own bright roles in the greater order of things.
“As the daughter of a cancer survivor and granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor, this event is deeply personal. I am making this art to honor the challenges they overcame and the strength they passed down, celebrating their resilience that allowed me to be here today.”
Melanie J. Prather, Breast cancer survivor
Melanie Johanson Prather has spent the last decade wearing just about every hat in the museum world—curator, museum director, administrator, fundraiser, strategist, teacher, and enthusiastic champion of contemporary artists.
In 2024, life unexpectedly interrupted her carefully curated plans when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer. What followed was a year that was very different from anything she'd imagined. Instead of opening exhibitions and attending board meetings, she focused on healing, discovering just how generous people can be when life takes an unexpected turn.
Today, Melanie is happily cancer-free thanks to her amazing care team (Claudia Kelso, Caitlin Taylor, Karl Ordoyne, and Scott Sullivan!) and incredible husband, Greer Prather, who attended every chemo appointment and held her hand through the worst year of her life.
Melanie now serves as the Development Director of the Arts Council of New Orleans, helping to raise funds for their important vision of “Cultivating Vibrant Communities Through the Impact of Arts and Culture”. She believes art has the remarkable ability to bring people together, help us make sense of life's messier moments, and remind us that beauty and hope often show up where we least expect them.
Candi gordon, Survivor Outfit Designer
Candi Gordon grew up with an innate skill and a passion for fashion and creating clothing, but once educated on the ways fashion has harmed our planet she knew something had to change. Candi now devotes herself to creating clothing and expressing herself creativity without further damaging our planet, and loves to find new ways to make high-fashion and on-trend garments in a sustainable way. Some of these designs include using designer headstock fabrics that would otherwise go to a landfill, learning zero-waste patterning techniques, and even fully digital fashion,
“I am excited to bring these same ideas to life on the Fluer de Bra runway!“
Brooke is a Louisiana native, mother of two, and former New York architect who now works in employee experience design. After being diagnosed with breast cancer during her second pregnancy in 2025, she underwent a successful partial mastectomy and later a double mastectomy after giving birth. Walking in this year’s event marks a new chapter defined by resilience, motherhood, and hope for the future.
“I plan to use this event as celebration for a successful double mastectomy (scheduled end of September 2026), and moving forward from the cancer diagnosis!”
Brooke Gasaway, Breast cancer survivor
Kloe Donley, Survivor outfit designer
Kloe Donley is a New Orleans-born and raised pop artist known for her bold, colorful paintings and vibrant creative style. A self-taught artist, she creates dynamic portraits and original works inspired by music, culture, and the spirit of her hometown. Her artwork celebrates individuality and self-expression through striking color palettes and intricate detail. Kloe is proud to be represented by Orleans Gallery on Julia Street in New Orleans!
“Just like so many others, cancer has impacted the people I love. I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my talents to give back and support a cause that touches so many lives.”
