A tradition that began in 2003, Nike and the OHSU Doernbecher Foundation officially present this year's Doernbecher Freestyle sneaker collection, designed by young patients to help raise money for OHSU Doernbecher. To date, the program has raised nearly $17 million for the hospital, funding treatment, research and family assistance. As usual, the collection consists of six silhouettes, which were created over a span of 8 months.
The 2017 Doernbecher Freestyle Collection will be available beginning Nov. 18 with 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the collection going to benefit OHSU Doernbecher. Adult and youth sizes will launch in SNKRS, and the full apparel collection will launch on nike.com and at select Nike retail and partner stores.
Air Jordan 12 Retro by Carissa Navarro
Age: 9
From: Springfield, Oregon
Diagnosis: Bilateral renal agenesis, end stage kidney disease (born without kidneys)
Her twin sister’s name, Savannah, is on the heel tab of the left shoe (Navarro was born without kidneys and her sister kept her alive in the womb until she could begin dialysis). “She’s the best sister ever!” she says.
Nike Air More Uptempo by Brody Miller
Age: 11
From: Portland, Oregon
Diagnosis: Diagnosis: Complex dural arteriovenous fistula (complex brain malformation)
Miller's rare brain condition is a villain he battles every day. To help him in the fight, the aspiring comic book artist created Generator Man, an alter ego who shoots healing energy out of his hands.
Nike Air VaporMax by Andrew Merydith
Age: 15
From: Springfield, Oregon
Diagnosis: Cystic fibrosis
Merydith’s shoes coordinate perfectly with his favorite green and purple BMX jersey.
Nike Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit by Amyiah Robinson
Age: 11
From: Portland, Oregon
Diagnosis: Sickle cell anemia, indeterminate colitis
Robinson's colorful design includes a state map of Oklahoma (where she's from) on the insole of one shoe and a map of Oregon on the other to symbolize the importance of staying true to her roots.
Nike Air Huarache Run Ultra by Brayden Sparkman
Age: 13
From: Salem, Oregon
Diagnosis: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
The prominent display of orange is a nod to Sparkman's favorite baseball and football teams.
Nike SB Zoom Stefan Janoski by Tylan Hibbard
Age: 15
From: Eugene, Oregon
Diagnosis: Truncus arteriosus (congenital heart defect)
Because he thinks every fisherman needs a good fishing shoe, Hibbard designed his shoe with nautical details. A school of trophy fish swims against a deep blue background.