14-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Designs Shoes for Iowa Team

A 14-year-old cancer survivor just turned her passion for art and basketball into custom Nike sneakers worn by one of the nation's top college teams.

Harper Stribe of Ankeny, Iowa, designed black and yellow sneakers for the Iowa women's basketball team as they head into the NCAA Tournament. The design features the Hawkeyes' signature colors and represents her deep connection with the players who've been part of her life since she was five years old.

Harper first met the team at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of soft tissue cancer. She relapsed in 2022 and underwent additional treatment and surgeries, but has now been cancer-free for nearly three years.

"Being able to connect something with them that I made is really just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Harper said. Her mother Nicole knew the design project would be perfect for her daughter, who loves both art and sneakers.

Harper was there on Selection Sunday when the players opened boxes revealing her custom designs. "I really liked seeing them open the boxes and seeing the reactions," she said, adding that she got emotional when coach Jan Jensen spoke about how the team has watched her grow up through her medical journey.

Why This Inspires

Harper's story shows how kindness and connection can bloom even in the hardest circumstances. The Iowa women's basketball team didn't just visit a young fan once and move on. They built a lasting relationship that has spanned nine years, staying present through relapses, treatments, and recoveries.

Now Harper gets to see her artwork on the feet of athletes she's admired for most of her life. The sneakers are even available for purchase on Nike's website, meaning her design will reach far beyond the court.

Harper says she loved the design process and hopes to create more artwork for the team in the future, possibly an Iowa T-shirt. For now, she's focused on cheering the Hawkeyes through the tournament and hopes to catch a game in person.

From patient to designer, Harper's journey reminds us that healing comes in many forms, and sometimes the best medicine is having someone believe in your dreams.