Daughter Wins April Makeover Contest for Mom

The last two years or so have been challenging for Vera Rush. The Enumclaw School District employee devoted herself to caring for her husband who only learned he was battling the end stages of cancer in mid 2010 and ultimately lost his battle in February 2011.

"His battle was hard and sadly not long," said daughter Jennifer Morley, who nominated her mother for the Patch-sponsored makeover contest provided by Enumclaw's Sleek Hair Design and Skin Deep. "She [mom] had always been by his side."

Reflecting on the past few years, Morley wrote in her contest entry, "My mom is the strongest woman I know. Her strength is a true inspiration and example of the human soul. She is always there to help anyone, she never says I can't or no. I wish she had more time for herself. I'll always look up to my mom for all that she does."

Morley's submission in celebration of her mother touched the staff at Sleek Hair Design and Skin Deep. Stylist Krystal Atchley admitted, "Oh my goodness I cried reading this!"

Rush will get just a little time to herself then, as our contest judges have chosen her daughter's as the winning entry in April's makeover contest. She will be treated to a makeover package including hair, nails, make up and more that is valued at $350.

Morley said Wednesday she was excited for her mother upon receiving news that she had won this month's contest for her. Mom even helps her out in raising her own daughter as Morley described herself as a divorced, single mom. "She made a life out of taking care of others," Morley said. The makeover hopefully provides an opportunity "so she could be taken care of for once in her life."

Next Month's Contest is Open

Each month throughout 2012, we'll choose from a pool of nominations submitted by readers such as yourself, one person who will receive that complete makover package.

"People have lost their jobs through the economy and can't afford to get things done the way they did before," said Atchley. "A lot of people are struggling and we wanted to get out into the community and help a little more. We're just excited to get out into the community."

Entering the contest is easy. In 500 words or less, nominate yourself or someone else (must be 18 years of age or older) who you think deserves a free makeover from Sleek Hair Design and Skin Deep and tell us why. Send your nomination to Enumclaw Patch Local Editor April Chan at april.chan@patch.com by the 10th of each month and the winning entry qualifies for the makeover that month.

Our next contest deadline is May 10, but why wait until then? Get your entries in today!

For the complete contest rules, see the document attached to this story.