Nachtsheim Mom Wins Enumclaw Patch's Monthly Makeover Contest

Vera Rush, who was nominated to receive the Patch-sponsored $350 makeover prize from Sleek Hair Design and Skin Deep in Enumclaw by her daughter Jennifer Morley, enjoyed her pampering session so much that she felt the need to pass it on.

Rush, a school bus driver with the Enumclaw School District, gets to interact with many people in the community as she goes about her job and of late, one particular person has been on her mind as someone who truly deserved a break -- at least a small one.

. After giving birth to baby Lincoln last June prematurely, she herself was later diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that meant receiving regular low doses of chemotherapy that leaves her feeling sick and weak. She also suffered another side effect of the cancer: liver disease.

Between the two of them, the medical costs were already starting to mount for the family when in January, that left him needing at least two surgeries to repair a broken left leg -- his femur was broken in three places -- and broken back. According to Rush, he has been in rehab and was only able to return home on May 5.

The family has as well as friends and extended family. For Rush, however, who is also a friend of the family, Melissa really could just use a little time to herself. "This makeover would I believe be something that is so well needed for her!!!" wrote Rush in her nomination of Melissa. "Melissa has been so strong thru all of this, that I don't even know how she does it some days."

Well, our contest judges agreed with Rush and have selected Melissa as the recipient of May's makeover package. We have not yet reached Melissa for comment but according to Rush, who gave her the news Thursday, she was pretty excited. Patch aims to catch up with Melissa and get a full update on how the Nachtsheim family is doing and we'll bring that to you as soon as we can.

Next Month's Enumclaw Patch Makeover Contest is Open

Each month throughout 2012, Enumclaw Patch will 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 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 June 10, but why wait until then? Get your entries in today!

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