Makeover revelations

By Marci Laehr-Tenuta

Tuesday, July 25, 2006 11:06 PM CDT

MOUNT PLEASANT - Cheryl Dixon has truly transformed. Not only does she look fantastic, but she feels fantastic, and it shows.

"This has been unforgettable," Dixon said Tuesday to a crowd gathered in the parking lot of the Charcoal Grill for her Racine Dream Team makeover reveal. "My biggest fear is public speaking. I can't believe I'm up here. It's a sign of my new found self confidence."

Dixon looks like a completely different woman from the 49-year-old who was chosen to receive the Racine Dream Team's 2006 makeover in March. With a sassy new haircut and highlights, and dressed in a tailored green tweed jacket, brown trousers and green open-toed heels, the new Dixon is polished and

self-assured.

She has spent the last 12 weeks working with the Dream Team, which is made up of cosmetic dentist Dr. Kim Kind-Bauer; Ed Van De Water, a personal trainer with Razor Sharp Fitness; Montel Melcher of Enhanced Nutrition and Fitness; medical aesthetician Nicole Barra of plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Sweet's office; and Dr. Kanwar Singh of Eye Centers of Racine.

During the makeover, Dixon had extensive oral surgery, gum treatment, crown work, and cosmetic restorative treatment on her teeth. She had three photo facials, two regular facials, one glycolic chemical peel, and laser vein treatment on her legs.

Dixon also underwent blepharoplasty, a surgery that lifts the upper eye lids, and endured 36 workouts in addition to the exercise and nutrition program she was following at home.

Over the past few days Dixon has been treated to a glamour makeover including cosmetics and hair styling by Aspire Salon and Spa, and a massage and nail service by Headlines Design Studio and Day Spa.

The results are amazing. Dixon has lost 40 pounds and reduced her body fat by nearly 12 percent. She has a new smile she isn't afraid to show off, and smooth, glossy looking skin.

"Cheryl worked really hard to see her dreams become a reality, and she looks and feels fantastic," Kind-Bauer said. "How can you place a value on seeing someone transform their life in such a positive way? She is very grateful for the opportunity to have received this makeover. And I am very grateful to have had the pleasure of seeing the Racine Dream Team Makeover change the face of Racine."

On Tuesday night, Dixon was glowing, and thankful.

"I'm forever grateful," she said. "Thank you and God bless."

In total, 18 businesses contributed to the makeover, including Romme Printing, Network Specialists of Racine, Popp Dental Lab, Michael's Signs, Milaeger's, Headlines Design Studio and Day Spa, Shane Keller Massage Therapy, Molly MacGruder, Aspire Salon, Anything Goes Limousine Service, Photography by

Raylene, and the Charcoal Grill and Rotisserie.

This was the second time the Racine Dream Team has transformed a resident of Racine. Last year, Vickie Kuiper a mom of four who was also approaching her 50th birthday, received the makeover. Throughout the past year, Kuiper has continued to have orthadontal work by Dream Team member Dr. Mark Lenz. A few days ago, Kuiper had her braces removed to reveal a beautiful smile.

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