Six young patient-designers revealed on Friday their personally designed Nike collections for the 21st Doernbecher Freestyle program, a longstanding partnership between Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Nike.
Since its inception in 2004, the Doernbecher Freestyle program has given young patients the opportunity to create their own personal footwear designs, which are released and auctioned, with all profits benefiting the children’s hospital that changed their lives.
To learn more about the Doernbecher Freestyle program, visit the OHSU Foundation website.
This year’s auction, held at the Portland Art Museum, raised $1.9 million — a record high in the over twenty years of the program’s history – to support OHSU Doernbecher’s vital mission. These funds help cover the cost of care for families in need, expand pioneering research that benefits kids around the world, and support specialized care unavailable anywhere else in the region.
“Freestyle was described to me by many as their favorite event of the year,” said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. “Having experienced it for the first time, I agree — the courage and creativity of our patient designers, combined with the talent and support of Nike, generates unforgettable generosity and resources that propel our mission at Doernbecher.”
This year’s theme, “Heart of a Hero,” celebrates Doernbecher kids, their courage and creativity, and the extraordinary journeys they’ve lived. Over the past year, the patient-designers worked closely with NIKE, Inc. design team employees who volunteer their time and expertise so each patient-designer can create their very own sneaker. Each design represents the patient’s personal story, including nods to their health journeys, families and communities, and interests and passions.
The full collection will be available on the SNKRS App and at select retailers this winter, with Nike also donating 100% of the retail profits from the sale of the collection to Doernbecher.
“This year’s collection unveiling and auction was a very special and well-deserved celebration of six incredible young Doernbecher patients, who shared personal stories of bravery, courage and creativity through their one-of-a-kind shoe designs,” said Dana Braner, M.D., FAAP, FCCM, physician-in-chief at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, professor and chair of pediatrics in the OHSU School of Medicine, and Credit Unions for Kids chair.
“For over two decades, the Doernbecher Freestyle program has created long-lasting, meaningful impacts for those seeking care at our hospital, including enabling leading-edge care, research, education and advocacy for thousands of patients and families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. We’re continuously amazed by the community support and industry partnerships that bring this special event to life.”