Some of you may be living the difficult challenge in your lives of dealing with elderly, unhealthy parents or others. Recently having made the decision with my husband that it was time to move his mother to a Richmond Assisted Living Facility, we know that the anxiety, pain, stress, and hurt can be overwhelming. Even when you know you have made the best decision for your loved one, it still hurts and the unexpected moments of sadness are unsettling.
Watching my own mother suffer with Alzheimer’s Disease for years and finally succumbing to complications of the disease was unbelievably painful for all of us.
Unfortunately, many of you will also face this dilemma at some point in the future with someone you love. That’s just one reason you may want to attend this upcoming event sponsored by Medarva Healthcare.
Caring for an elderly or dying parent involves many difficult decisions. That’s why Medarva Healthcare has invited nationally known TIME Magazine columnist Joe Klein, author of the “The Long Goodbye” to speak to the Richmond community about his own experiences making healthcare decisions for his parents as their health steadily declined.
Klein will also provide a detailed description of his interaction with the health care system.
Event Specifics
The event will take place Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m. at The Steward School’s Lora M. Robins Theatre, located at 11600 Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23238.
Tickets to the program are free. However, due to the anticipated turnout and limited seating capacity, registration is required.
Visit www.Medarva.com or call 804.775.4552 to register for the event, or to obtain more information.
“This is not an easy subject for anyone, but it’s a topic that needs to be addressed more often and by more people,” said Bruce P. Kupper, President/CEO of MEDARVA Healthcare. “With this in mind, one of Medarva Healthcare’s commitments to the community is to stimulate conversations on difficult subjects. The changing health care environment and end of life decisions are two such topics that need to be discussed under the guidance of local experts and those who have personal experiences, which others can learn from. Bringing in a speaker of Joe Klein’s caliber, demonstrates our commitment to doing it right.”
Speakers
Klein’s article, from the June 2012 edition of Time, is a close-up look at the tough decisions he faced managing the care for his parents in the final months of their lives. He also addresses the partnership that he formed with the physicians of the Geisinger Health System that made this difficult process a little easier. Knowing what his parents wanted, having realistic expectations, and having realistic physicians created an environment in which the best interests of his parents were placed above all else.
In addition to Klein, the event will also feature Dr. Raymond L. Spence, Jr., retired pastor of Second Baptist Church, speaking on the clergy’s perspective of end of life decisions; and Laurel (Laurie) Lyckholm, M.D., professor of Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center.
About Joe Klein
Klein is one of America’s leading political journalists, a provocative and probing analyst of events in our nation’s capital and abroad. His weekly column “In the Arena” covers domestic and international affairs ranging from campaigns to healthcare.
A veteran of 10 presidential campaigns, Klein has been praised for his “dogged reporting, a thorough, subtle grasp of issues, and a clear-eyed, compelling style.” He is the rare political junkie who loves the intricacies of policy-making, has extensive sources not only within the US Government but throughout the world, and is at home as much in Damascus as he is in Des Moines.
Klein wrote the #1 bestseller, Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics, as “Anonymous.” The New York Times Book Review called it “one of the best political novels to appear in the latter half of the 20th Century;” it later became a major motion picture.
Klein has written more than 25 cover stories for TIME, ranging from political commentary and analysis to war stories in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2010, he has taken road trips across America driving through regions of the country interviewing voters, politicians, and community leaders about the nation’s most important concerns.
About MEDARVA Healthcare
Medarva Healthcare was formed in April 2012 and its roots can be traced back to October 31, 1951 when Richmond Eye Hospital was established. The Medarva Foundation is part of Medarva Healthcare (Medarva.com) and supports numerous medical care and education programs in Richmond’s community, as well as collaborative ventures with academic institutions, medical organizations and philanthropic groups to fund leading-edge research aimed at achieving important medical breakthroughs. The nonprofit includes Medarva at Stony Point Surgery Center.
For more information about Medarva Healthcare and this program, visit the website.
Author: Dr. Travis Shaw – Stony Point Surgery Center
Richmond is rapidly becoming one of the most active sports and recreation areas in the nation. We have more and more amateur running races every year, expansions of the biking trails, the Nissan Xterra series, and the 2015 World Cycling Championships on the horizon. Richmond was recently voted “Best Town Ever” by Outside magazine. It is a really exciting time in RVA!
I am seeing more and more athletes in my practice who are suffering from breathing issues while exercising. Many people feel like their nose is blocked or stuffy, or that they have excessive drainage which hinders their performance. As a competitive cyclist, I understand how it feels to not be able to perform at your best.
The most common reason for not breathing well during exercise is a deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage in the middle of your nose that divides each nostril. If this cartilage is not straight, it can severely impact the amount of air that comes through.
Think of a deviated septum like an accident on I-64: If you take 3 lanes of traffic and squeeze it down to 1, not many cars can get through. Similarly in the nose, if you take one side and deviate the septum, not much air gets through. Some people may need a simple 1 hour surgical procedure to correct the problem, while many others improve after using medicated nasal spray.
In the office, I try to spend more than the average amount of time with my patients. With active people, I try to find out just how the issue is impacting their life, and what their goals are with treatment. I do a very thorough physical exam including watching how the nose is working during your breathing, and often using a small video camera to look inside of the nose or throat to really get an understanding of each patient’s unique anatomy. I then try to explain my thoughts in a really easy to understand manner. I never appreciate someone who tries to impress people using strange terminology – whether it is at the Apple Store or at my local mechanic. My thought is, just give it to me straight and in terms I can grasp. I apply the same philosophy to my patients. We will come to a mutual decision about the best way to proceed whether it is medication, surgery, or lifestyle modification.
Stony Point Surgery Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
Dr. Natario Couser
Just 60 seconds after entering the office of Dr. Natario Couser at Virginia Pediatric Ophthalmology Specialists and you already know he’s not only an expert physician, but he’s a very down-to-earth person and easy to talk with. Our conversation quickly turned to the adorable photo of his 3 1/2 month old son. With his wife currently completing her residency, they are a busy couple.
After spending some time with Dr. Couser, we learned that his sincere concern and caring for children extends beyond his personal life, and into his medical practice.
Dr. Couser is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist and he is the newly appointed Medical Director of the WHEELS Program. A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who was first trained in diseases and surgery of the eye after finishing medical school. They then pursue further training in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of those eye disorders that are unique to children. This makes Dr. Couser highly qualified to treat vision issues in children and to serve as Medical Director of the free WHEELS Program.
WHEELS: A Free Screening Program
The WHEELS program (Where Healthy Eyes and Ears Lead to Success) is jointly developed through Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic and the MEDARVA Foundation. It is a pre-school vision and hearing screening program, designed to promote healthy vision and hearing as a component of school readiness.
According to Dr. Couser, “An estimated 80 percent of what a child learns in a normal classroom setting is through vision and 75 percent of a child’s normal school day includes an auditory component. Considering these statistics, it’s easy to see how healthy vision and hearing contribute to a child’s overall success in school. I am proud to be a part of this innovative program, unlike any in the country.”
Since there is no federal guideline or mandate to make sure hearing/vision testing is consistent across the states, it’s up to individual states to create their own. With 50 different states, that means 50 different things going on related to testing children’s vital functions of seeing and hearing. Unfortunately, lots of kids unknowingly enter school with some type of vision problem that affects their educational and social interactions.
We asked Dr.Couser what parents need to know about testing, and he gave us some great information.
Potential Vision/Hearing Problems
“Many conditions in kids are asymptomatic and parents or children don’t even realize there is a problem. Some of the potential issues affecting kids can be effectively treated at a young age, but are more difficult to treat once children are older,” he explained. “Amblyopia is an example of a condition that can potentially cause permanent vison loss if not treated early. Of children who are diagnosed and treated before age 7, over 75% usually recover completely normal vision. Delaying treatment can result in permanent vision problems and after age 7, a higher percentage of patients will unfortunately not reach their full vision potential.”
In Virginia, it’s recommended that children receive a thorough hearing and vision test in kindergarten, 3rd, 7th and 10th grades. These are good baselines, but availability of screening by the school nurse or other staff does not guarantee that every child is tested or problems are detected with standard screening processes.
And vision testing really begins at birth and with each pediatric well-baby checkup thereafter. Even infants can follow lights and sounds as a part of the testing process. Dr. Couser explains that referrals from pediatricians make up a big part of his patient list.
“Pediatricians are great for front-line testing. They can refer to specialists if a potential problem is detected and this allows more thorough testing,” Dr. Couser says. “There is a difference in a vision screening versus a comprehensive exam so having that preliminary screening is efficient in finding issues.”
How WHEELS Works
“We are fortunate to have the WHEELS Program in Richmond. It is very unique and I’m not aware of any other screening program prior to kindergarten like this in the U.S. We have a model program here. And it’s an easy and free program for schools to offer.” The program has screened close to 7,000 kids so far and they are partnering with 70 school-related programs in the Richmond and surrounding area.
Dr. Couser explains how the program works:
- The WHEELS Program is scheduled at local schools or pre-schools.
- Screenings are conducted in collaboration with the school health nurse or day care coordinator, and delivered by a certified screener. The screenings are performed using the plusoptiX screening technology vision screener and the Welch Allyn OAE hearing screener, both highly advanced technological screening devices, meaning that the child does not have to physically respond to any commands, providing the most reliable results during the screening process.
- During the vision screening, which takes about 15 seconds, a digital camera like device is pointed at the child’s eyes and takes a series of pictures which are then analyzed by the screening software and a pass/refer is generated based on pre-determined parameters. During the hearing screening, which also takes about 15 seconds, a sterile-tipped sensor is placed just inside the opening of the ear, sending a series of frequency-controlled tones down the auditory passage, the tones are recorded and a pass/refer is generated again based on pre-determined parameters.
- The screening takes only a matter of seconds and it takes multiple digital pictures of the eyes and interprets the pictures and measurements to return a screening result.
- The screening program is free to the school and the parents.
- The screening identifies children who potentially have vision problems, some that could potentially cause permanent vision loss.
- Parents of children with potential problems receive confidential information that recommends seeing an eye specialist and includes the findings of the testing. Parents are free to choose any eye specialist for follow-up.
WHEELS assistance is available for scheduling in the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg; and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent, Charles City, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, Amelia, Nottoway and Cumberland.
Dr. Couser emphasizes, “Thanks to a grant from MEDARVA Health Care Virginia, there is absolutely no charge to schools, kids and families for this screening. It’s a non-invasive, quick screening that could save the sight or hearing of a child. Staff are expertly trained and undergo background checks for safety and security. It’s an excellent program available to our community.”
Learn more about Dr. Couser and the WHEELS Program in this video or at MEDARVA.com.
Signs to watch for in children that MAY indicate a need for vision testing:
Squinting
Sitting closer to the TV
Headaches
Drop in grades
Head tilt
Red or irritated eyes
Drooping lid
Eyes shaking
Family history
Genetic abnormality
Eyes crossing after 3 months of age
“Caring for people is my calling” ~ Dr. Travis Shaw
The Richmond Pollen Almanac often shows that there are plenty of reasons for us to suffer with sinus problems and allergies. Trees, grass, weeds, and mold are some of the most common causes of painful sinuses and headaches.
Dr. Travis Shaw provided us with valuable information regarding recurrent ear infections in “Part I: Dr. Shaw Talks About Kids and Ear Infections.” In a recent interview with Dr. Shaw of the Stony Point Surgery Center, we learned a lot about managing sinus conditions too.
“Sinus pressure can result in lots of headaches, pain, and pressure across the face and head,” Dr. Shaw explains. “Sinus pain and discomfort is a very common complaint among people living in Richmond.”
We’re sandwiched between the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. With plenty of lush green landscapes, flowering gardens, and towering trees, there’s no shortage of triggers for sinus problems.
“Richmond is a bad place for people with allergies – moisture, mold, and tons of pollen emerge in the spring. And the mold continues throughout the summer and fall,” Dr. Shaw explains. “Sinus problems can really impact a person’s life in many negative ways.”
Dr. Shaw’s Philosophy
Dr. Shaw’s philosophy towards patient treatment is to make a recommendation to treat his patients as non-invasive and non-surgically as possible. That assumes he can get an “equal outcome” with non-surgical treatment vs. surgical procedures. “I will recommend the medical option that makes the most sense for each patient. When it comes to sinus problems, some people require surgery while others can be treated medically.”
“If allergies and sinus pain are a recurrent issue in your life and you’ve dealt with it year in and year out, you probably need to see a specialist. If you’ve had more than 2-3 sinus infections in a year, evaluation by a qualified ENT is recommended. That doesn’t mean that you need any type of procedure but you do need a thorough evaluation to weigh the options for treatment. It may be as simple as getting a good medical regimen to treat the nose properly,” he goes on to explain.
Dr. Shaw is very adamant that the least invasive procedures are preferable for him and his patients. He also points out that his evaluation may lead to a referral to a headache specialist since there may be other triggers for the headaches and pain.
Technological Advances for Treatment
“If your primary care physician has treated you for multiple sinus infections, he or she may refer to a specialist. We can take a small telescope and look into the nose to examine drainage pathways. We make sure nothing obvious is blocking that area. If there is and there is a history of multiple infections, we may order a CAT Scan if necessary. Once an examination is completed, we talk about options such as continuing on medical therapy, trying allergy treatment, or other options,” according to Dr. Shaw.
“One of the neat things we’re doing now in terms of technological advances is minimally invasive surgery that is safe and effective. It’s similar to angioplasty for the heart – we use the same concept and apply it to the sinuses. A small wire is threaded into the opening of the inflamed sinus where we insert a balloon. This pushes tissue and bone away and makes the sinus opening wider. It’s done in the office and is similar to having a cavity filled. Traditional surgery required being in the operating room, being put to sleep, and taking a week or longer for recovery. This new Balloon Sinuplasty is much better.”
Managing Sinus Pain and Infection
Dr. Shaw gave us some important tips for managing sinus pain and allergies:
- Use a good saline spray in your nose each day to clear allergens, dirt and dust. A netipot is useful in cleaning the sinus passageways. Saline sprays keep the nose moist and keep irritants moving away from the nose, helping avoid infections too. Cleaning the nose thoroughly helps the function of the actual lining tissue of the nose.
- Kids with drippy noses may benefit from saline spray. The “Little Noses” spray by Little Remedies is very helpful for children. (Be sure and ask your doctor before using any products for children or adults, and adhere to the age recommendations – Little Noses is not recommended for children under 2 years of age).
- It’s important to clean the nozzle before and after each use, and never share nasal sprays. Always have separate nasal spray bottles/applicators for each person to avoid spreading germs.
- A warm shower after spending time outdoors can help wash away pollen, dust, and other particles in the nose and sinus passages.
For those suffering from sinus problems and allergies, Dr. Shaw advises taking action rather than suffering with the pain and discomfort. Discuss your situation with your primary care physician and find out if an evaluation by a specialist is needed.
“There are many options available and surgery does not have to be the only one,” he emphasizes.
Dr. Shaw also provides services for children suffering from chronic ear infections and other ENT conditions. He is board certified in ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery. He takes pride in also focusing on skin cancer reconstruction.
“I am driven by my personal desire to help people.”
After spending time with Dr. Shaw, it’s obvious that his work is all about his passion for making life better for others. Whether it’s to remedy a chronic ear infection, painful recurrent sinus infections, a cleft palate, or reconstructive surgery, it’s all done with a desire to make life better for others.
To contact Dr. Shaw, visit the MEDARVA website or call 804.775.4500 to make an appointment. Also, visit him and “like” him on Facebook to keep up with what’s happening!
Learn more about Dr. Shaw in this video:
MEDARVA is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
“Caring for people is my calling” ~ Dr. Travis Shaw
Parents never want to hear that their child has to have a medical or surgical procedure – even if it is considered “routine” by many experts. Dr. Travis Shaw of Stony Point Surgery Center knows how this feels because he is a physician and a parent too.
Richmondmom.com sat down with Dr. Shaw to learn more about his practice, and we were impressed not only with is professional accomplishments, but his incredibly friendly ‘bedside manner’.
A New Kind of Practice
Dr. Shaw started his ENT practice with a focus on providing optimal healthcare services in an inviting and friendly environment. After spending 2 1/2 years teaching English in Japan he turned his attention to medicine. Inspired by the needs of patients in Kenya with facial deformities, he chose to specialize in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. His practice welcomes new patients of all ages for ENT consultations and reconstructive surgery.
He explains his philosophy in setting up his practice as different from many traditional doctor’s offices.
“I want to make a personal connection with patients and their families. I try to not only find out what’s going on with the patient, but how it’s affecting his or her life, and the lives of others in the family. Putting it in perspective is important and when I know patients on a personal level, it’s much easier to understand their concerns and needs,” he explains.
An interesting perspective from Dr. Shaw is his desire to share more about himself, in addition to learning about his patients and their families. His father was a Pulmonologist and he watched him compassionately interact with patients while making hospital rounds. He says he was enamored with how his father took such great care of people and how people really seemed to know and like his father too.
“I adapted this focus on relationship-building into my own style of practicing medicine,” Dr. Shaw reflects.
Treating Children
Dr. Shaw’s practice revolves around all issues related to ear, nose, and throat as well as sleeping problems. He treats adults and children. With two small children of his own – ages 3 years and 17 months – he recognizes how parents feel when their children are hurting.
We talked about one of the most common childhood ailments – and Richmond moms can certainly relate to this one – ear infections! Whether it’s an inner ear infection, or an outer ear infection often referred to as ‘swimmers ear’, Dr. Shaw is an expert on the subject.
“When it comes to ear infections, children not only suffer but so do their parents. Painful ears cause children not to sleep and to spend lots of time crying and uncomfortable. When a child has three or more painful ear infections, it is usually time to see a specialist. Lots of pediatricians and general practitioners refer their young patients to me for evaluation. Although surgery for ear tubes is not the first course of action, ear tubes are the most commonly performed surgical procedures for children,” Dr. Shaw explains.
A closer look at how the ears become infected gave us a better understanding of why so many children get ear tubes inserted every year. Dr. Shaw explained that when we are born, the Eustachian tube which drains from the back of the ear, equalizes pressure in the ear. It is typically short and horizontal in children and this often causes germs to flow back into the ear. As we get older, this tube gets longer and more vertical allowing it to drain better.
The natural drainage pathway from the ear into the nose is the cause of most all ear infections. Tubes can help open up and elongate this passageway to help avoid germs and infections. And they relieve a lot of pain for children who experience chronic ear infections.
Once ear tubes are inserted, most children never experience problems. The tubes naturally fall out and do not have to be surgically removed.
When to See a Specialist
“Ear infections are excruciatingly painful for children and treating them early is important. Children who cry for no apparent reason, pull at their ears, don’t eat well, or seem uncomfortable a lot of the time may have an ear infection. Some ear infections can be treated with antibiotics but there is a lot of controversy around this too.
A lot of today’s literature and clinical trials recommended waiting 4-5 days after recognizing an ear infection before taking antibiotics. Some doctors recommend treating the pain with just Tylenol and eardrops first because antibiotics may not always be the best answer,” emphasizes Dr. Shaw.
Your pediatrician or physician will make a recommendation based on his/her expert opinion. He also reiterates the importance of always following your physician’s recommendations when it comes to treatment or referral.
Making the Decision that is Best
Making a decision for your child to undergo a surgical procedure is not easy. The biggest risk for having ear tubes inserted is obviously related to the anesthesia. Every situation is different and it’s important to weigh all options and talk with your doctor before making the decision about ear tubes.
As with any surgical procedure requiring a general anesthetic, there are risks of complications. A child is usually asleep for less than 5 minutes for the procedure and it is considered a safe procedure for children.
Dr. Shaw provided some valuable information on the process he follows when evaluating a child and determining the best treatment method:
- ‘Watchful waiting’ is often the first course of action with a first-time ear infection. He often takes this approach because it may not be a recurrent issue.
- Once children are referred to Dr. Shaw for a more extensive evaluation and treatment options, it’s important to discuss ALL of the options with the parents or caregivers. Providing information about the options and success rates for each option, risk of any surgeries, and other factors will help parents make the best decision for their child. As with any decision, the benefits must be worth undergoing the procedure and risks.
- Taking a conservative approach is most often the best way to go – seasonal changes in winter and moving into warmer months may make a difference. Jumping into having ear tubes inserted is not Dr. Shaw’s first approach (depending on the severity and frequency of chronic ear infections).
- If the recommendation and decision is made to move forward with the procedure, Dr. Shaw makes sure the parents know what to expect every step of the way. Stony Point Surgery Center also offers a state-of-the-art facility where procedures are conducted that allow parents to be as involved and present as possible throughout the procedure.
Swimmers Ear
Inner ear pain is different from outer ear pain – known as swimmers ear. With swimmers ear, the outer part of the ear is infected from water that does not properly drain or dry and it becomes stagnant causing problems. Outer ear pain can sometimes be even more painful than inner ear infections. Simply touching the outer part of the ear indicates that it is very tender and painful.
Outer ear infections usually affect older children – a 10-year old may wake up in the middle of the night screaming with pain in the ear. It is a very obvious pain. Inner ear is usually problematic for children 2 and under.
Swimmers ear is usually treated with eardrops and that’s it. There are some ways to avoid swimmers ear that include using a hair dryer on a comfortable temperature to dry out the ear after swimming. Dr. Shaw cautions parents not to use eardrops or other home remedies if children have had an ear tube inserted though – it’s always best to check with your doctor first.
A Caring Practice
Dr. Shaw has certainly established a practice that revolves around positive relationships and caring for his patients. His years of mentoring by his father and experiences of traveling around the world have given him insights into patient care that offer outstanding quality and service.
“I have a passion to help those who need it. My experiences of living in foreign countries, participating in mission trips, working different types of jobs, and seeing people suffering has given me a glimpse of humanity that fuels my passion,” says Dr. Shaw.
After spending an hour with him, we could not agree with him more!
Watch for Part II in our series of articles with Dr. Shaw. In our upcoming article, he will discuss the pain, frustration, and treatment options of dealing with allergies and sinus infections – and nobody has more allergies and sinus infections than Richmond!
Stony Point Surgery Center is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com
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Many thanks to Real Life Studios , Stony Point Surgery Center, Sweet Spot and Primrose Schools for making this contest possible!
We’re proud to partner with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond (DSAGR) and are making a donation for each entrant in this contest.
The Winners in Each Category and Grand Prize Winner (with the highest number of unique votes) are below. Your prizes will arrive within a couple of weeks! Thanks to everyone who participated.
0-2 Age Category: Aashvi C.
**Aashvi is also our Grand Prize Winner with the highest number of votes overall!
3-5 Age Category Winner: Colton C.
6-8 Age Category Winner: Ansley D.
9-11 Age Category Winner: Emily W.
Runners-Up:
0-2 Age 2012 Category Runner-Up
Age Category 3-5 2012 Runner-Up: Joshua E.
Age Category 6-8 Runner-Up Will B.
9-11 Age Category 2012 Runner-Up Brandon K.
First place in each age category will receive a $600 package from Real Life Studios including a free family portrait session and 16 X 20 gallery wrap.
1st Runners up in each category receive a free family portrait session and one 5X7 valued at $200, for a total of $3200 in prizes from Real Life Studios.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grand Prize overnight stay package valued at $575!
Signed copies for winners in each age group (valued at $54) and over $300 in Richmond Rocks books for the first 25 entrants to purchase a package of $50 or more (no purchas is required; this is our gift for those who do purchase!)
A Fun Bus Birthday Party valued at $210 from Fun Bus of Hanover/Henrico.
Emerge Hair Salon – $100 in kids haircut; mom’s blowout/style, and hair/skin products!
3 prizes of 10 free passes each in the first three age categories to Richmond Kangaroo Jac’s.
One-hour Mickey’s Magic Show with Jack the Bunny valued at $129.
Sewinit – A monogrammed pillow with a value of $50
Hip to be Round – $50 gift card toward Tea Party collection for 0-2 category winner
Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Agency – an engraved picture frame worth $50
Science Museum of Virginia – Supernova Membership (value $99) to the grand prize winner and family 4-packs (value – $44 per pack) to the winner in each age-range.
Theatre IV – Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Virginia Rep’s YOUNG TOM JEFFERSON at the Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn or Hanover Tavern – $64 value
Mom’s Treehouse: (0-2) 4-Stroller Strides classes, (3-5 ) 4-art classes, (6-8) 4-martial arts classes, (9-11) 4-martial arts classes
Healthy Little Chef – Two $20 gift cards
One dozen cupcakes from Frostings, $35
World of Mirth – $50 Gift Card
Sweet Spot Gift Certificate for $50 towards birthday party, candy, or treat bags
Kinsights – “Helping Grow Healthy Kids, Together” – is providing a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Our 2011 Real Cute Kids Grand Prize Winner, Joshua R. Isn’t he adorbs?
Click the age category below to Vote for entrants in the 2012 Richmond Real Cute Kids Contest through 10pm on 8/30/12:
All winners will be announced here on the site no later than 8/31/12!
Many thanks to Real Life Studios , Stony Point Surgery Center, and Primrose Schools for making this contest possible!
We’re proud to partner with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond (DSAGR) and are making a donation for each entrant in this contest.
First place in each age category will receive a $600 package from Real Life Studios including a free family portrait session and 16 X 20 gallery wrap.
1st Runners up in each category receive a free family portrait session and one 5X7 valued at $200, for a total of $3200 in prizes from Real Life Studios.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grand Prize overnight stay package valued at $575!
Signed copies for winners in each age group (valued at $54) and over $300 in Richmond Rocks books for the first 25 entrants to purchase a package of $50 or more (no purchas is required; this is our gift for those who do purchase!)
A Fun Bus Birthday Party valued at $210 from Fun Bus of Hanover/Henrico.
Emerge Hair Salon – $100 in kids haircut; mom’s blowout/style, and hair/skin products!
3 prizes of 10 free passes each in the first three age categories to Richmond Kangaroo Jac’s.
One-hour Mickey’s Magic Show with Jack the Bunny valued at $129.
Sewinit – A monogrammed pillow with a value of $50
Hip to be Round – $50 gift card toward Tea Party collection for 0-2 category winner
Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Agency – an engraved picture frame worth $50
Science Museum of Virginia – Supernova Membership (value $99) to the grand prize winner and family 4-packs (value – $44 per pack) to the winner in each age-range.
Theatre IV – Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Virginia Rep’s YOUNG TOM JEFFERSON at the Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn or Hanover Tavern – $64 value
Mom’s Treehouse: (0-2) 4-Stroller Strides classes, (3-5 ) 4-art classes, (6-8) 4-martial arts classes, (9-11) 4-martial arts classes
Healthy Little Chef – Two $20 gift cards
World of Mirth – $50 Gift Card
Sweet Spot Gift Certificate for $50 towards birthday party, candy, or treat bags
Kinsights – “Helping Grow Healthy Kids, Together” – is providing a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Thanks to our great sponsors for 2012 – Real Life Studios , Stony Point Surgery Center, and Primrose Schools.
Vote Now until 10pm on 8/30/12 for one of these 0-2 Year Old Entrants by clicking on this link or any link below:
Aashvi C.
Alex S.
Annabelle B.
Blakeley T.
Braylon K.
Bryant W.
Cambria D.
Chandler S.
Charlie K.
Chloe T.
Easton R.
Elden H.
Elijah T.
Eliza V.
Evan L.
Henry Joseph R.
Giada R.
Gibson M.
Isabilla M.
Izayiah S.
Jackson W.
Jake. R.
James B.
Jillian M.
Kaylee H.
Landon F.
Lucia O.
Lucia V.
Madison H.
Mary C.
Morgan B.
Patrick J.
Porter B.
Quinn D.
Sean W.
Robert F.
Taylor Grace H.
Taylor G.
Teddy S.
Trayvon G.
Tytiana G.
Zachary S.
Zayn A.
Zoe M.
Feel good about what you’re doing: The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond is our non-profit partner on this contest, so we’ll make a donation to them for each Richmond kid who entered.
Winners will be announced no later than 8/31/12 here on the site, and the following prizes will be awarded (may vary by age category).
There are some great prizes for the winners, including the following (prizes may vary based on age category and substitutes may be made where necessary):
First place in each age category will receive a $600 package from Real Life Studios including a free family portrait session and 16 X 20 gallery wrap.
1st Runners up in each category receive a free family portrait session and one 5X7 valued at $200, for a total of $3200 in prizes from Real Life Studios.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grand Prize overnight stay package valued at $575
Signed copies for winners in each age group (valued at $54) and over $300 in Richmond Rocks books for the first 25 entrants to purchase a package of $50 or more (no purchas is required; this is our gift for those who do purchase!)
A Fun Bus Birthday Party valued at $210 from Fun Bus of Hanover/Henrico.
Emerge Hair Salon – $100 in kids haircut; mom’s blowout/style, and hair/skin products
3 prizes of 10 free passes for first three age categories to Richmond Kangaroo Jac’s.
One-hour Mickey’s Magic Show with Jack the Bunny valued at $129.
Sewinit – A monogrammed pillow with a value of $50
Hip to be Round – $50 gift card toward Tea Party collection for 0-2 category winner
Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Agency – an engraved picture frame worth $50
Science Museum of Virginia – Supernova Membership (value $99) to the grand prize winner and family 4-packs (value – $44 per pack) to the winner in each age-range.
Theatre IV – Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Virginia Rep’s YOUNG TOM JEFFERSON at the Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn or Hanover Tavern – $64 value
Mom’s Treehouse: (0-2) 4-Stroller Strides classes, (3-5 ) 4-art classes, (6-8) 4-martial arts classes, (9-11) 4-martial arts classes
Healthy Little Chef – Two $20 gift cards
World of Mirth – $50 Gift Card
Sweet Spot Gift Certificate for $50 towards birthday party, candy, or treat bags
Kinsights – “Helping Grow Healthy Kids, Together” – is providing a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Thanks to our great sponsors for 2012 – Real Life Studios , Stony Point Surgery Center, and Primrose Schools.
Vote Now now through 10pm on 8/30/12 for one of these 3-5 Year Old Entrants by clicking this link or any link below:
Alyvia H.
Bence J.
Brennan W.
Carter M.
Colton C.
Corinne W.
Emma T.
Hannah L.
Hayden B.
Haven W.
Henry W.
Jack K.
Jenna H.
Jesse B.
Joshua E.
Juliana B.
Katie B.
Kayla M.
Kaylee E.
Luca R.
Lucas M.
Click here (or any link) to Vote!
Luke O.
Madalen W.
Madelyn P.
Click here or any link to Vote!
Mariana O.
Maya Q.
Melrose R.
Click here (or any link) to Vote!
Mia M.
Natalie A.
Nicholas L.
Click here (or any link) to Vote!
Sarah B.
Taylor C.
Feel good about what you’re doing: The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond is our non-profit partner on this contest, so we’ll make a donation to them for each Richmond kid who entered.
Winners will be announced no later than 8/31/12 here on the site, and the following prizes will be awarded (may vary by age category).
There are some great prizes for the winners, including the following (prizes may vary based on age category and substitutes may be made where necessary):
First place in each age category will receive a $600 package from Real Life Studios including a free family portrait session and 16 X 20 gallery wrap.
1st Runners up in each category receive a free family portrait session and one 5X7 valued at $200, for a total of $3200 in prizes from Real Life Studios.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grand Prize overnight stay package valued at $575
Signed copies for winners in each age group (valued at $54) and over $300 in Richmond Rocks books for the first 25 entrants to purchase a package of $50 or more (no purchas is required; this is our gift for those who do purchase!)
A Fun Bus Birthday Party valued at $210 from Fun Bus of Hanover/Henrico.
Emerge Hair Salon – $100 in kids haircut; mom’s blowout/style, and hair/skin products
3 prizes of 10 free passes for first three age categories to Richmond Kangaroo Jac’s.
One-hour Mickey’s Magic Show with Jack the Bunny valued at $129.
Sewinit – A monogrammed pillow with a value of $50
Hip to be Round – $50 gift card toward Tea Party collection for 0-2 category winner
Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Agency – an engraved picture frame worth $50
Science Museum of Virginia – Supernova Membership (value $99) to the grand prize winner and family 4-packs (value – $44 per pack) to the winner in each age-range.
Theatre IV – Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Virginia Rep’s YOUNG TOM JEFFERSON at the Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn or Hanover Tavern – $64 value
Mom’s Treehouse: (0-2) 4-Stroller Strides classes, (3-5 ) 4-art classes, (6-8) 4-martial arts classes, (9-11) 4-martial arts classes
Healthy Little Chef – Two $20 gift cards
World of Mirth – $50 Gift Card
Sweet Spot Gift Certificate for $50 towards birthday party, candy, or treat bags
Kinsights – “Helping Grow Healthy Kids, Together” – is providing a $25 Amazon Gift Card
It’s time for the Richmondmom.com biggest contest of the year – our Real Cute Kids contest. Thanks to our great sponsors for 2012 – Real Life Studios , Stony Point Surgery Center, and Primrose Schools.
We’re proud to partner with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond (DSAGR) and are making a donation for each entrant in this contest.
Our 2011 Real Cute Kids Grand Prize Winner, Joshua R. Isn’t he adorbs?
We’re starting voting 8/20/12 through 8/30/12 right here on Richmondmom.com with photos taken by August 10 by Real Life Studios. If you entered online but did not have a photo taken, we’re sorry but you’ll have to wait until next year to enter.
First place in each age category will receive a $600 package from Real Life Studios including a free family portrait session and 16 X 20 gallery wrap.
1st Runners up in each category receive a free family portrait session and one 5X7 valued at $200, for a total of $3200 in prizes from Real Life Studios.
Great Wolf Lodge - Grand Prize overnight stay package valued at $575!
Signed copies for winners in each age group (valued at $54) and over $300 in Richmond Rocks books for the first 25 entrants to purchase a package of $50 or more (no purchas is required; this is our gift for those who do purchase!)
A Fun Bus Birthday Party valued at $210 from Fun Bus of Hanover/Henrico.
Emerge Hair Salon – $100 in kids haircut; mom’s blowout/style, and hair/skin products!
3 prizes of 10 free passes each in the first three age categories to Richmond Kangaroo Jac’s.
One-hour Mickey’s Magic Show with Jack the Bunny valued at $129.
Sewinit – A monogrammed pillow with a value of $50
Hip to be Round – $50 gift card toward Tea Party collection for 0-2 category winner
Kimberly Woodson of Farmers Insurance Agency – an engraved picture frame worth $50
Science Museum of Virginia – Supernova Membership (value $99) to the grand prize winner and family 4-packs (value – $44 per pack) to the winner in each age-range.
Theatre IV – Family 4-Pack of Tickets to the Virginia Rep’s YOUNG TOM JEFFERSON at the Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn or Hanover Tavern – $64 value
Mom’s Treehouse: (0-2) 4-Stroller Strides classes, (3-5 ) 4-art classes, (6-8) 4-martial arts classes, (9-11) 4-martial arts classes
Healthy Little Chef – Two $20 gift cards
World of Mirth – $50 Gift Card
Sweet Spot Gift Certificate for $50 towards birthday party, candy, or treat bags
Kinsights – “Helping Grow Healthy Kids, Together” – is providing a $25 Amazon Gift Card