Nike’s Doernbecher Freestyle program, a collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, celebrates its 20th anniversary with the Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection. Since its inception in 2004, this initiative has empowered young patients to design unique footwear, raising over $37 million for the hospital.

The Evolution of the Doernbecher Freestyle Program

The Doernbecher Freestyle program began as a creative outlet for young patients, allowing them to express their stories through sneaker design. Each year, six patients connects with Nike designers to create unique versions of popular Nike silhouettes. The resulting sneakers are auctioned and sold, with all proceeds benefiting the hospital. Over two decades, 122 children and 330 Nike product experts have participated, contributing to the program’s success.

The 20th Anniversary Collection

The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection features six distinctive sneakers, each reflecting the personal journey and creativity of its young designer:

Air Jordan 6 Retro by Jillian Beagley: At 14, Jillian, a liver transplant recipient and state basketball champion, designed a pastel-colored Air Jordan 6. The sneaker includes interchangeable patches, heart-shaped perforations, and the phrase “Give Life” embroidered on the tongue, symbolizing her gratitude and love for sports.

Nike Sabrina 2 by Sophia Jenkins: Sophia, a passionate soccer player, infused her design with elements representing her love for the sport and her journey. The sneaker features vibrant colors and personal motifs that tell her story.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41 by Tima Sviridenko: Tima’s design reflects her resilience and love for animals, incorporating playful cat motifs and a dynamic color scheme that captures her spirited personality.

4Nike Air Max DN by Connor Kassing Fernández: Connor’s sneaker showcases his passion for dragons and fantasy, featuring intricate dragon scales and a fiery color palette that brings his imaginative world to life.

Nike Air Max SNDR by Quin Nims: Quin, a young climber who has undergone multiple surgeries, designed a colorful Air Max SNDR with a splatter print she describes as “splashes of joy and power,” symbolizing her strength and recovery.

Nike Air 180 by Ja’Kai Taylor: Ja’Kai, a vibrant 9-year-old with type 1 diabetes, created a playful design featuring reflective lightning bolts, glow-in-the-dark outsoles, and a bubbly Swoosh, capturing his energetic personality and interests in gaming and soccer.

Special Edition Air Jordan XX

To commemorate the 20th anniversary, Nike introduced a limited run of specially designed Air Jordan XX “Doernbecher Freestyle” sneakers. These exclusive pairs feature laser-engraved graphics celebrating the program’s two-decade legacy and the 122 patient-designers who have participated. Twenty numbered pairs were auctioned online, with all proceeds benefiting the hospital.

Innovative Packaging and Apparel

For the first time, each sneaker in the collection is packaged in a custom, split-open box that reveals the unique design, enhancing the unboxing experience. Additionally, the collection includes a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie that incorporates elements from each of the patient-designers’ shoes, offering fans a wearable piece of the collaboration.

Global Availability

The Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection is set to release globally on January 25, 2025, through Nike’s SNKRS app, nike.com, and select retailers. This worldwide availability allows sneaker enthusiasts and supporters of the program to participate in this meaningful initiative.

The Doernbecher Freestyle program exemplifies the power of creativity and collaboration in making a positive impact. By providing young patients with a platform to share their stories through design, Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have created a lasting legacy that extends beyond footwear, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Looking Forward

As the program enters its third decade, the commitment to empowering young patients through design remains steadfast. The success of the 20th-anniversary collection underscores the importance of this initiative, and future collaborations are anticipated to continue this tradition of creativity, storytelling, and philanthropy.

Impression

Nike’s 20th Doernbecher Freestyle Collection is a testament to the enduring partnership between Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Through innovative design and heartfelt storytelling, this collection not only celebrates the program’s legacy but also highlights the courage and creativity of its young designers. As the collection becomes available globally, it offers an opportunity for individuals to support a meaningful cause while owning a piece of this remarkable connection.

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