Today we’d like to introduce you to Alanna Bree.
Hi Alanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a pediatric dermatologist who practiced for over 20 years in both academic and private practice, I have witnessed firsthand the toll having a skin disease takes on children and teens mentally, emotionally, and spiritually because they literally wear their disease. Because no other nonprofit organization existed that was solely dedicated to providing this type of support; I established a community for those with skin conditions, so these children and teens, and their families, did not feel all alone. I initially founded A Children’s House for the Soul in 2014, and we had a cute little house with an orange door in the Montrose neighborhood that provided a sanctuary for kiddos with special skin where they could put down the invisible armor they wear and just be themselves surrounded by others who truly understood. Over time, it became clear that we could serve even more children by meeting them where they are… and that is online, where the obsession with physical appearance and fitting in is evermore heightened. So, in 2023, we moved from our physical location on W Dallas to the virtual world. Because we no longer had our house where we could gather, we also amended our name to Made A Masterpiece with the unwavering mission to support our community with skin conditions so they can learn to love the skin they are in and face the world with confidence.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, but despite the many obstacles and challenges, I knew it was worth it to find a way to carry on because these children deserve to know in their hearts and souls that they were Made A Masterpiece— just exactly the way they were created to be. It also helps that I personally know and have placed my faith in The One who created these extraordinary works of art, and it is the Lord who gives me strength when I am weak. Through Him, I find my purpose and my peace.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Research has resoundingly demonstrated that there are social, emotional, developmental, and psychological challenges that occur when a child is learning to cope and develop with visibly different skin in a world that is obsessed with physical appearances. This often leads to low self-esteem, diminished self-confidence, and reduced social interactions. Unfortunately, it also leads to an increased risk of anxiety and depression resulting in significant emotional distress, difficulties in close relationships, and impaired daily activities. Suicidal thoughts are sadly 44% more common and suicide attempts are 36% more likely when living with a chronic skin disease. Thus, we are working hard to serve as a beacon of hope for our community with skin conditions. We are excited to be developing many new and innovative initiatives that we are putting into place to support our community. We are growing our online resources to provide encouragement, education, and coping tools for parents and children of all ages. We are also planning to launch online meet up groups, and we just held our first +Perspectives Family event in collaboration with local artist, Sarah Fisher, that was a huge success.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Fundraising has become ever more difficult over the years, and I believe that this trend will continue. That said, I am continually amazed at the generosity of those who see the good in what we are doing as the only 501c3 organization in the US exclusively dedicated to providing social, emotional, and spiritual support to children with all types of skin conditions. It is work that I am passionate about because I see the children we are helping and the lives we are changing, and it is my privilege to allow others to join us in our work through their involvement and support. If you are one of those people, please accept my invitation to support us through your prayers, through your volunteer service as a Dermbassador, or through your financial support as one of our Masterpiece Makers at https://madeamasterpiece.org/donate/. If you know any child or teen who is living with a skin condition, please let them know they are not alone and we are here to help!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madeamasterpiece.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwasmadeamasterpiece/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madeamasterpiece
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/made-a-masterpiece-a83694288/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/masterpiecemade
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IWasMadeAMasterpiece
Image Credits
Lee Beckman
