Celebrating Hope and Creativity: The 20th Anniversary of Doernbecher Freestyle
On an extraordinary evening on Friday, October 18, 2024, six gifted young patients from the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital proudly revealed their unique Nike sneakers, designed personally by each of them. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the Doernbecher Freestyle program, a heartfelt partnership between the renowned hospital and sportswear giant Nike.
For two decades, the Doernbecher Freestyle program has opened doors for young patients to unleash their creativity while also sharing their inspiring stories of resilience and hope. Over the years, this initiative has seen 122 courageous patient-designers transform their experiences into vibrant, one-of-a-kind sneaker designs, each symbolizing their journeys and aspirations.
Since its inception in 2004, the Doernbecher Freestyle program has been more than just a creative outlet. It is a lifeline of support for the children and families touched by serious health challenges. The program allows these young visionaries to create custom footwear, which is then released for public sale and auctioned off, with all proceeds directed toward the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This remarkable endeavor has raised over million, significantly contributing to the hospital’s ability to provide cutting-edge care and innovative treatments.
The Nike shoes revealed at the event are not just footwear; they serve as expressions of personal journeys, reflecting the individual passions and personalities of the patient-designers. Attendees couldn’t help but smile as the young designers showcased their sneaker art, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of joy and accomplishment. The excitement continues as these artistically crafted shoes will be available on the SNKRS app and select retail locations this winter, expanding the opportunity for the public to connect with these powerful stories.
Dr. Dana Braner, physician-in-chief at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, expressed his deep appreciation for the community’s unwavering support. “As we celebrate Doernbecher Freestyle’s 20th anniversary, we also reflect on two extraordinary decades of hope and healing,” he stated. “Each year, I am amazed by the strength of these kids, as well as the incredible generosity of our community. This program allows us to support families in need and provide specialized care unavailable anywhere else in the region.”
This year’s event was not just about revealing unique designs; it also highlighted the nearly 20-year journey of the Doernbecher Freestyle program. In celebration, Nike crafted a special Golden Anniversary edition of the Air Jordan XX, a tribute to every patient-designer involved since the program began. This limited-edition sneaker incorporates the initials of all 122 young creators and various symbolic elements from the history of the Freestyle project, creating an exclusive piece of art and heritage.
Adding to the excitement, only 20 pairs of the anniversary Air Jordan XX will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefiting the continuation of the important work being done at OHSU Doernbecher. The online auction will open on October 21 at 9 a.m. PT and close on October 30 at the same hour, providing sneaker enthusiasts and altruistic buyers a chance to own a piece of this meaningful legacy.
By empowering these young patient-designers, the Doernbecher Freestyle program not only enhances their self-expression but also helps to fund vital resources for the hospital. The proceeds directly aid OHSU Doernbecher in improving children’s health through exemplary clinical care, vital research, and advocacy.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, the Doernbecher Freestyle program stands as a beacon of hope and creativity, transforming the lives of young patients and their families while igniting the spirit of community. The next 20 years look promising, with the collective support of generous donors, compassionate community members, and the inspiring stories of the young designers who remind us of the power of resilience.
In a world where the convergence of health challenges and creative expression creates an impactful narrative, the Doernbecher Freestyle program serves as a shining example of how dreams can inspire change, one sneaker at a time. So, as the auction dates approach, let’s remember the stories behind each pair, ensuring that the legacy of hope continues to thrive.
