Linda Haller, Priscilla Diaz, Manny Linares
June 2, 2025 – Broward Health, in collaboration with EllaRae Boutique, recently hosted Bloom and Brunch, an uplifting afternoon celebrating the resilience, beauty and inner strength of 15 women courageously undergoing cancer treatment. They were pampered with an array of self-care experiences, including massages, manicures, makeovers, rejuvenating yoga and expressive art activities.
One of the highlights of the day was when each woman received her custom wig from EllaRae Boutique, which they personally selected in advance. At the luncheon, Priscilla Diaz, founder and owner of EllaRae Boutique, fitted each woman with her chosen wig, offering them not only a beautiful accessory but also a powerful boost of confidence.
“The inspiration behind this was deeply personal,” said Diaz, who was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s disease, which led to the thinning of her hair and a change in its texture. Seeing my hair change was devastating to me. I purchased a wig, and it made me realize how empowering it is to feel confident in your appearance. It also made me realize that wearing a wig is totally okay. I wanted to help women feel whole again, feel beautiful again and feel confident again. And for me, this event is one powerful way to do that.”
The women also enjoyed a luncheon and heard an inspiring, powerful message from proud cancer survivor Major Ty Shaw, major of executive services and community relations at the Miramar Police Department, adjunct professor at Broward College and Ph.D. candidate in organizational leadership. She shared her cancer survivor story, telling them that there is love and light as they go through this journey and that they are not alone. She ended with, “You got this.”
“This is an incredibly meaningful event that is very close to our heart,” said Manny Linares, CEO of Broward Health Medical Center. “As I look at the audience, I see survivors who are an inspiration to every one of us. I truly appreciate their strength, resiliency and courage as they fight through their journey.”
This poignant day was made possible through generous community sponsors, including Hollywood Institute, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Boston Proper, Jaxton Photography, Nothing but Solez, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Howard’s Market and local artist @isabelperezart.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts five hospitals, two trauma centers, a dynamic academic partnership with Florida Atlantic University, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.
Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of $1.6 billion, and annually provides almost $225 million of charity and uncompensated care. For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
