Queen for a day: local clinic sponsors Mothers Day makeover giveaway

By Bill Hardesty | [email protected]

The evening of May 8 will always be remembered by Nancy Ledezma of Rose Park as the evening she was treated like a queen.

"This is a dream come true," Nancy said as the hairdresser combed her hair.

MD Diet SLC Clinic, 3655 S. State St., sponsored a Facebook contest titled Treat Your Mom Like a Queen. The contest was for a mother and daughter to receive makeovers right before Mother's Day. Nancy's daughter, Nisa, nominated her mom and worked hard to help her win.

"I tagged everyone. I encourage them to tag others. My message was shared like a million times. It was a lot of work," Nisa said.

When asked why she nominated her mom, Nisa said, "So many reasons. She never gets anything like this. She deserves a day like this."

Nancy is a mother to five children. Her two youngest teenage sons still live at home. She also has four grandchildren. 

Five years ago, she lost her husband under tragic circumstances and left her in the hospital in serious condition. Through it all, she kept the family together. After a long recovery and grief period, the family became closer and stronger.

"She does lots and lots of hard work. From fixing cars to remodeling the house to being in the delivery room when I had my own daughter," Nisa said.

In fact, Nancy said her first car repair was replacing the transmission in her Volkswagen Jetta after reading two books. She noted that was before the days of YouTube.

Nancy instilled this "can do" attitude in Nisa. Nisa became the first person in her family to graduate from high school and to complete a CNA certification.

Other royalty was also in attendance, notably Miss Utah, Jesse Craig. She was impressed with Nancy’s example of female empowerment. 

"Raising five kids is difficult. Doing it alone makes it even harder," Craig said.

Queenly advice

When asked what does being mother mean to her, Nancy replied, "Having people need you. My children are my world. I have to teach them to be an asset to the community."

Nancy provided this advice for mothers. "Love your children like there is no tomorrow. There is no guarantee there will be a tomorrow."

Nancy said the greatest challenge being a mother is not having enough time. 

Sponsor and donors

Winston Behle, operations director for MD Diet SLC Clinic, provided the catalyst for the event.

"We were looking for a way to give back. We also realized that our main clients are mothers. We found a way to ensure one mom for one night would feel like a queen."

MD Diet SLC Clinic (www.mddietclinic.com) has served the Salt Lake community since 1998 serving over 600 clients a month. They help with medical weight loss, HCG diet, vitamin injections or maintaining your current weight. They tailor each diet to individuals. They are also providing six months of diet services to Nancy and Nisa.

ProDo, Utah's first dry blow bar, located in Draper and South Jordan donated hair styling.

Dapper & Dash, a mobile salon, provided a place for hair styling and makeup. Their bus (known as Dash) travels along the Wasatch front providing salon services to corporate clients and community outreach.

Balance Mobile Spa donated a facial and massage for mother and daughter. They provide their services in homes, work settings or while you are away from home.

Soulstice Day Spa & Salon, located at Fort Union and Jordan Landing, donated manicures and pedicures.

Down East in Millcreek donated a $100 gift card each providing Nancy and Nisa with new outfits.