Nike Taps Children’s Hospital Patients As Designers For Latest Sneakers

Since its inception in 2004, the partnership between Nike and the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital has been making a significant impact.

This heartwarming collaboration, dubbed the Doernbecher Freestyle program, has not only resulted in inspired Nike footwear, apparel, and equipment designs but has also raised over US$33 million to benefit the hospital over the years.

Simply put, the core of the initiative revolves around giving young patients from OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital the opportunity to express their creativity by designing a range of Nike products.

Each year, the sportswear giant taps six patients to put forth their design chops. Guided by a dedicated team of product experts, these young maestros pour their hearts and souls into their creations.

This collection includes six distinct silhouettes, each designed by one of the Doernbecher patients.

The lineup features an Air Jordan III, a Nike Dunk High, a Nike Go FlyEase, a Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, a Nike Cortez, and a Nike Air Max 1 ’86.

Each item in the patient’s collection is adorned with intricate details, hidden messages, and unexpected color palettes.

These elements serve as a reflection of the individual’s unique passions, life experiences, medical journeys, and relationships—a way for them to share their stories and creativity with the world.

100% of the profits generated from the retail sales of the Doernbecher Freestyle program are donated to the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation (OHSUF), with all proceeds benefiting Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

For those keen on supporting the cause, the forthcoming creations—as part of the  Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection—will launch in December.

[via stupidDOPE and Nike, images via Nike]