Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

The designers for this year’s Doernbecher Freestyle collection have been briefly introduced by the hospital and Nike. Stay tuned for additional info on this year’s collection and designs. For those that aren’t familiar with the program, background info can be seen below.

Save the date for the 9th annual Doernbecher Freestyle to be held Saturday, October 27, 2012 at the Portland Art Museum. This year, six more Doernbecher patients will let their personalities shine as they dive into colors, textures and materials to create a shoe as unique as their story.

Tickets will be available for purchase online in early fall.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Chad, 15, concentrates on making sure his design is perfect.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Autumn, 10, is all smiles before she explores the materials library at NIKE.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Grant, 10, having fun brainstorming ideas for his shoe.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Kylie, 16, enjoying the design process at the NIKE campus.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Finn, 10, and older brother Brogan make designing a shoe a team effort.

Nike Introduces Doernbecher Freestyle IX Designers

Oswaldo, 10, selects the perfect colors for his shoe.

About Doernbecher Freestyle:

Doernbecher Freestyle was created in 2004 when Michael Doherty, Nike’s Creative Director of Global Brand Presentations and Doernbecher Foundation board member, was talking to his son, Connor, about ways to raise money for the Hospital. Connor had the idea of having Nike create shoes and sell them to raise funds. Michael then invited one of Nike’s shoe designers to take a tour of the hospital to inspire him to design a pair of shoes for Doernbecher. It was designer Marcus Tayui’s vision to see patients design the shoes with the proceeds benefiting the hospital that in many cases has saved their lives.

An annual launch party is held every fall to unveil the newest Freestyle collection designed by Doernbecher patients. More than 400 business and community leaders come together to see the shoes, bid on limited pairs and meet the patients/designers in person. After the shoes have been unveiled, they go on sale to the general public with the proceeds going to the hospital.

Now in its ninth year, this extraordinary program has raised over $4 million for the hospital, which uses the funds for everything from clinical programs and hospital construction to providing care for uninsured children. This year’s patient designers come from Doernbecher’s cancer, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery and nephrology programs.

For event details and program information, please contact Ashley Schmidt at 503-412-6351 or e-mail schmidas@ohsu.edu; or contact Allie Reynolds at 503-220-8343 or e-mail reynolal@ohsu.edu.

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One Comment

  1. I battled cancer in 2010 and my partner was in Chicago at Nike town and got me a pair of Nike from ur collection. They were designed by Shelby. I got the next edition in 2011. I couldn’t find them anywhere and the people at Chicago Nike town directed me to a warehouse in California where I got them. Anyway, I wear them every time I go to MD Anderson for my 3 month check up. I always get compliments on them and everyone wants to know about my shoes. I tell them. All about your program.
    I live in south Florida and could you tell me when and where I can locste this years shoes. I am a fan, a believer, and I live the message! My # is 561-702-5722.