For two ⁢decades, the collaboration between Nike and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital has flourished through the Doernbecher Freestyle initiative, ⁣amassing $37 million in donations. Initiated in 2004, this innovative program empowers young⁣ patients at Doernbecher to express their ​creativity by designing distinctive footwear collections. The sales from these collections directly⁢ benefit the hospital, aiding in its vital healthcare services.

The commemorative ⁢Doernbecher Freestyle 20 Collection marks 20 years of this impactful partnership. The 2024 collection features six new footwear designs, each crafted by Doernbecher’s young patient-designers who infuse their personal journeys and ​inspirations into their‍ creations. This year’s lineup ‍includes esteemed models such as the Air Jordan 6, Nike Sabrina 2,​ Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41, ⁤Nike Air Max⁢ Dn, Nike Air Max SNDR, and Nike Air 180. Additionally, a Nike Tech Fleece hoodie featuring design elements from each shoe complements the collection.

An exclusive Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher” edition will also launch as a limited run to honor the ‍20th anniversary. This unique pair will ⁣be auctioned, with all proceeds going to OHSU⁣ Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, perpetuating the tradition⁤ of philanthropy that defines this partnership.‌ The online auction is scheduled from‌ October 21st ​to October 30th, with initial bids⁣ starting at $1. Details on the auction can be accessed through Sotheby’s website.

The Doernbecher​ Freestyle 20 Collection is set to release during⁣ the Holiday 2024 season at selected retailers and ⁢via the SNKRS platform.‌ Enthusiasts and supporters are encouraged to visit galleries and explore the inspiring stories behind each designer’s shoe, celebrating their creativity and resilience.

Among the designers is Jillian Beagley, a ⁢14-year-old liver transplant recipient whose Air Jordan 6 “Doernbecher” design reflects her love for sports and her gratitude towards her donor. Diagnosed with a severe liver condition in infancy and having undergone a transplant at age 11, Jillian is now an accomplished athlete with a state basketball title. Her shoe design features customizable elements like ⁣interchangeable patches and toe boxes, and⁢ proudly displays her ​handwritten mantra, ​“SPORTS ⁤ARE ⁢MY JOY.”

Another notable design ‌is by Sophia Jenkins, a 9-year-old who battled osteosarcoma and lost part of her right leg. Despite her​ challenges, Sophia has excelled as a parasport athlete and even mastered a one-legged backflip.​ Her‌ Nike Sabrina 2 shoes⁢ encapsulate⁢ her vibrant personality, adorned with playful designs including a glow-in-the-dark outsole​ and⁢ elements inspired by her favorite possessions.

Tima Sviridenko, aged 11, is battling X-linked lymphoproliferation Disease 1‌ (XLP1). His Nike‍ Air Zoom Pegasus 41 design celebrates his life and his bone marrow donor, featuring playful motifs and tropical⁢ colors inspired by the donor’s home state⁣ of Florida. Tima’s dream of visiting Japan’s “cat island” and ‌his love for his pet cat Murka are whimsically captured in the shoe’s design.

Connor Kassing‍ Fernández, a 14-year-old battling a low-grade glioma, has infused his journey into the design of the Nike Air Max Dn “Doernbecher.” His design incorporates musical notes from a piano duet⁤ he composed and his ⁣love for sunrises and quesadillas, featuring a bilingual motto ​“Paso ⁣a paso” – “Step by step.”

Quin Nims, a 10-year-old with an ‍anorectal malformation, showcases her resilience through her Nike Air Max SNDR design. Her shoe displays a colorful splatter print, embodying “splashes of joy and power,”​ and includes spiky⁤ details inspired by her fascination with dragons.

Ja’Kai Taylor, aged 9 and managing type ​1 diabetes, brings a youthful exuberance to his Nike Air 180 design. His shoe features dynamic elements like reflective lightning bolts‌ and a glow-in-the-dark outsole,⁣ celebrating his⁤ active lifestyle and passion for soccer and gaming.

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