Inaugural Love The Skin You Are In
June 4, 2016, was a rainy day in Houston, but it did not deter the nearly 75 participants from attending the first annual Love the Skin You Are In conference that was held at The Health Museum and sponsored by A Children’s House for the Soul. There was a palpable energy and sense of community among those who attended this event that aimed to educate, encourage and empower.
The day began with a keynote address from Rick Guidotti, who is the founder of Positive Exposure, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to see individuals living with a difference first and foremost as a human being rather than as a specific diagnosis or disease. His inspiring message of changing how you see and seeing how you change was a powerful one. Rick, as a previous fashion photographer in New York City, shared his incredible skills and captured the true beauty of those who attended through his brilliant photographic works of art.
Jessica Shannon, a chaplain with a particular love for ministry with children and their families, was able to use a potato to help us see the unique potential that we all have within ourselves. Shannon Pickard, the #1 most requested youth speaker in America, shared his dynamic spirit and entertaining sense of humor, to help us realize that we all super heroes. Lindsay O’Sullivan, a certified Child Life Specialist and Camp Dermadillo Programming Coordinator, also led us in some fun activities using Positive Works flipbooks that showed us that we shouldn’t put ourselves in boxes and that we all rock!
A highlight of the day was the panel of experts that included teens and young adults affected by skin conditions and birthmarks who shared their insider tips with the group. The day ended with a reminder that we are all the World’s Greatest! It was an amazingly awesome event that connected us, inspired us and brought joy to the soul thanks to everyone who was involved- our participants, our speakers, our panelists, our volunteers, our planning committee, our board of directors and our donors!
Based on the comments from the event, we can’t wait for the next one!
“It was great hearing about others and getting questions I didn’t even realized I had answered.”
“All of the speakers were awesome. Very positive and uplifting.”
“So glad you incorporated the spiritual aspects of coping. These children so need to hear that God does not make mistakes and they are His masterpieces!”
“The panel of insiders was fantastic! Hearing from people who have walked the path we are going down gives me hope as a parent that my child won’t be defined by her limitations.”
“It was very interesting and informative- time flew!”
“Meeting new people and learning how they cope and deal with things was great.”
We are so thankful to all of our sponsors who played a part in making our Love the Skin You Are In conference happen!
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