In a unique partnership between Nike and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), known as Doernbecher Freestyle, which began in 2004, about $37 million has been raised for the hospital. Every year, six patients at OHSU Doernbecher are given the opportunity to collaborate with Nike on the creation of footwear, clothes, and equipment.
SNEAKERS
Crafted with the selfless assistance of Nike’s product specialists, these works of art capture the interests and medical experiences of each patient through their one-of-a-kind details, colors, and narratives. With the program’s success in bringing together community members, designers, and healthcare experts, OHSU Doernbecher and Nike have established it as a cultural landmark. Specifically, the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation receives 100% of retail sales proceeds for the benefit of the hospital. Six carefully developed models, including the Air Jordan III and Nike Dunk High, will be released in December 2023 by the latest Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection.
In November 2023, the total money raised for Nike Doernbecher were revised to almost $37 million, which includes the proceeds from the Freestyle XVIII collection.
Jordan 3 ‘Doernbecher XIX’
Jordan 3 Doernbecher 2023 designed by Hugo Covarrubias Molina, is a standout piece in this year’s collection. The Seattle Seahawks’ uniforms served as an inspiration for the design, which prominently features Molina’s nickname “Juice”. The statement “It’s okay to be different” is printed on the outsoles as an extra special touch, expressing Molina’s own approach. At $210, you can own this model.
Air Max 1 ‘Doernbecher XIX’
Redesigned by 8-year-old Hailey Leyva, the Air Max 1 adds a passionate touch to the collection. Hailey, a brave heart surgery survivor, has added customized emblems depicting her unique heart on the tongue and sockliner. Her love of ice cream, rainbows, and a hint to her interest for jewels via a charm bracelet motif round out the design. The Air Max 1 Doernbecher is available for $150.
Dunk High ‘Doernbecher XIX’
Brain cancer survivor Macey Bodily has given her creative vision to the Dunk High. The shoe has a rich floral motif with a grey ribbon on the heel that represents her cancer experience. Macey included a recipe for her chocolate chip cookies on the inner side of the tongue label as a personal touch. These inspirational Doernbecher Dunks 2023 cost $125.
Wmns Cortez ‘Doernbecher XIX’
Sydney Little, known for her passion for swimming despite the fact that she suffers from juvenile arthritis, has incorporated her artwork into the design of her Nike Cortez shoe. The design emphasizes the use of hand-drawn artwork and resin on the heel to symbolize water droplets. Additionally, glow-in-the-dark embellishments that are influenced by water ripples are used in the design. The cost of this model is $90.
GO FlyEase ‘Doernbecher XIX’
Christopher Musquiz Jr.‘s Nike Go Flyease design is a tribute to his love for Japanese culture and anime. The design was inspired by these two things. Images of his favorite animal are featured on the insoles, and a unique emblem that was inspired by Mount Fuji is featured on the tongue of the shoe. It is possible to purchase this one-of-a-kind design for $130.
Each shoe in the Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection conveys a personal tale, elevating these sneakers above mere footwear to wearable narratives of resistance and optimism. Following the release of the collection, 100% of the revenues will be donated to the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation, directly benefiting the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Nike’s long-standing commitment to the hospital is continued with this project, which has raised more than $33 million since its debut in 2004.
