For nearly two decades, Nike has released a collection of limited-edition sneakers designed by patients at the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which is located 10 miles east of the swoosh’s headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. This year, for the first time, the “Doernbecher Freestyle project” features footwear and apparel that was designed
The partnership began in 2004 when Nike executive Michael Doherty, who serves on the board of directors of the Doernbecher Foundation, was brainstorming ideas with his son to raise money for the hospital. Every year since, patients have been paired with Nike designers and developers to tell their stories about some of the brand’s best sneakers.
All proceeds from Nike’s retail sales of the collections are donated to the hospital. The program has raised more than $30 million, covering the cost of health care for families in need, supporting research on illnesses faced by kids, and providing specialized care to patients who come from outside the region. This year’s collection features patients who have moved from as far as Kenya.
Each year, the newest series is unveiled at a special auction-style event at Oregon Health & Science University, of which Doernbecher is a part, with the designers helping to highlight the inspiration and details that went into their shoes.
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