SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Sanford Health’s Bloom the Boutique helps well over a dozen cancer patients each month get a new wig. But it’s not everyday the salon gets a request for an unnatural hair color.
Before Tiffany Vobr was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer, she was very active in the Special Olympics.
“When she got back from Rapid City from a state bowling tournament for the Special Olympics, I knew she’s been throwing up. And that’s a sign,” Tiffany’s mom, Kristy Vobr said.
Tiffany was diagnosed in November and is now undergoing chemo at Sanford Health. Recently she decided she needed a new wig, but not a typical color you might guess.
“I like purple,” Tiffany said.
Bloom the Boutique’s cosmetologist, Ashley Edblom, says she added a little extra sparkle for this wig per Tiffany’s request.
“I have to prep all the tinsel and bond multiple strands together. So that takes a little bit of a process. And then to get them all put in is by a beaded process. So all in all, I probably spent at least a couple hours putting it together for her,” Edblom said.
Friday was the first time the 24-year-old saw her new hair.
“What do you think?” Edblom said, “You look beautiful.”
“Oh yes!” Tiffany said.
“I love it,” Edblom said.
“She’s very outgoing. Doesn’t matter. Even with her other wig that she had on, she was more perky and more happy,” Tiffany’s brother, Austin Vobr said.
“Just the bond that you create with each patient. Most of them, I only see them for an hour and then we part ways. But I know that I’m making an impact in their lives, and every single one of them makes an impact in my life,” Edblom said.
Tiffany’s family is hosting a fundraiser for her on April 26 in Mitchell, along with a T-shirt sale and silent auction.
