Want to win a $4,000 make over? Or know someone deserving of such a treat for the holidays? Radiance Medspa at 917 King St. in Old Town Alexandria is in search of that certain someone.
"We hope to provide a real uplifting service to someone in the community who is deserving and really needs a lift. Hopefully, someone who has had some hard luck and would really benefit from this service," said Radiance Medspa co-owner Catherine Corcoran.
The winner of the "Harvest Your Beauty Makeover Contest" will be chosen from an essay of 500 words or less written by the recipient or someone recommending a deserving recipient. Deadline for submission of the essay is Wednesday, Nov. 26.
It can be submitted on line to cathy@radianceoldtown.com or by mail to Radiance Medspa, 917 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. If mailed, it must be postmarked Nov. 26, Corcoran said.
Radiance Medspa is a licensed medical facility specializing in skin care, according to Corcoran and her partner Barbara Toliver. Between them they have close to 80 years medical experience, she noted.
Corcoran is a licensed nurse practitioner and Toliver is a physician's assistant. The practice is overseen by Corcoran's husband Timothy Corcoran, M.D.
Prior to opening Radiance MedSpa, Toliver worked at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in the emergency room. Corcoran was in nursing care at the Fairfax County South County Governnment Center. "We also worked together for nine years at a family practice in the area," Corcoran said.
"That's where we saw a lot of dermatology patients. We also saw a lot of the insurance problems faced by physicians today — insurance companies denying claims or not authorizing needed procedures. Our health system is broken," Corcoran said.
Radiance Medspa opened in April 2006. Consultations are conducted with each client prior to instituting any procedure. "We determine with each patient what treatment they want or need," Toliver said.
"We have sent notices of the contest to all our clients. But, so far we have received only one response," Corcoran said.
"Our staff will read each of the entries and rate each story. We will make every effort to be as objective as possible. Entries can be submitted either by the person hoping to win or by someone recommending someone else," Toliver said.
They estimated the value of the prize at approximately $4,000. It consists of make up application, non-surgical medical procedures, teeth whitening, a massage, and a skin tightening procedure. It is the latter procedure that is the most expensive element, according to Corcoran.
"This contest is all about helping someone who really needs it. We want to give back to the community," Corcoran said.