Girl battling cancer goes on shopping spree ahead of speech at 14th Annual Red Shoe Affair

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — Leaders of the Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida are preparing for their 14th annual Red Shoe Affair, and this year a young girl battling cancer will share her story on stage.

Nohea Glenn was diagnosed at 8 years old with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

She has spent more than a year and a half in and out of the Ronald McDonald House while undergoing treatment at Shands.

To get ready for the event, Nohea, her mother and leaders of the Ronald McDonald House visited Dillard’s in Gainesville, where Nohea had her makeup done, picked out accessories and selected a dress and shoes free of charge.

“I like something that’s flowy and fancy,” Nohea said.

Stevie Doyle, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida, said Nohea will make a surprise appearance at the event.

“She’s fighting cancer with the most joy and tenacity I’ve ever met,” Doyle said. “She’s gonna make a surprise appearance — give us a little sneak peek into her personality and who she is.”

Nohea’s mother, Malia Glenn, said her daughter’s faith has carried her through treatment.

“She smiles all the time and her faith in God really gets her through,” Malia Glenn said. “She knows that there is a reason and a purpose — whether things turn out her way or not, she knows that there’s more than just her.”

Nohea said she is grateful for the relationships she has made at the Ronald McDonald House.

“I really loved having a place other than staying at the hospital — having people be there just to say hello that isn’t just your family, or having home-cooked meals — it just brings you joy,” Nohea said.

Nohea is scheduled to take the stage Aug. 15 with a performance and a message of hope, “never give up and God’s got you,” she said.

Find out more about the Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Affair here.