As a little girl growing up in Hyde County, Nora McCabe was first inspired by her grandmother’s fashion sense.

“My grandma dressed me,” said McCabe, beaming at the memory. “I watched my grandma dress up, and I’ve always enjoyed putting together outfits.”

For more than 40 years, McCabe has held on to her dream of working in fashion. But since she has cerebral palsy, some people discouraged her from following that dream.

“I’d always get an idea and people would tell me I couldn’t do it,” she said, the disappointment evident in her voice.

But once she began attending LifeQuest Inc. in Washington several months ago, McCabe found others who supported her and encouraged her to pursue her dream. LifeQuest, which recently marked its tenth anniversary, is a psychosocial rehabilitation day program for adults and is based in the former Washington High School building.

Now McCabe is putting the finishing touches on a selection of outfits, many culled from the racks of the LifeQuest thrift store. With her flair for fashion, she is dressing more than a dozen fellow LifeQuest members for Friday’s “Lean On Me” talent and fashion show. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 1 p.m. in the Transitions Auditorium.

McCabe enjoys pretty things. She likes having her nails done, proudly showing off hands vibrant with colorful polish and sparkling bracelets. Purple is her favorite color, she admits, and more often than not her outfits reflect that passion.

Her favorite outfit, though, is a Hawaiian-inspired print dress “with all different colors,” she said. “And I love wearing hats … I have them in all different colors.”

For McCabe, planning an outfit is like putting together a puzzle. There’s the clothing, of course, but equally important are the shoes, handbag and accessories. Even something small like a silk flower or a bow pinned to a hat can add just the right finishing touch.

When not shopping for clothes, jewelry and accessories, McCabe enjoys scouring fashion magazines and creating collages of items that catch her eye.

But these days she is busy sorting clothing pieces and coordinating outfits for the upcoming fashion show.

“This is my opportunity,” she said, joy and anticipation bringing a smile to her face. “I can’t wait … I hope my whole family comes.”

Adam Congleton, LifeQuest’s program director, has been especially supportive of McCabe’s aspirations of being a fashion designer/coordinator.

“Part of our mission here is to keep people healthy mentally,” Congleton said. “Nora is using this fashion show as a coping skill. She is a great example of using something she enjoys to cope with her disease.

As for McCabe, all the hard work that has gone into planning the fashion show has been worth it.

“This is my goal,” she said. “It keeps my mind busy.”