Nike/Doernbecher Freestyle

Freestyle 5 designers:
Tony Taylor, Emily Giersch, Staci Wright, Brandi Berger and Colin Couch

About Doernbecher Freestyle

Doernbecher Freestyle was created in 2004 when Doernbecher Foundation board member Michael Doherty invited one of Nike's shoe designers to take a tour of the hospital. It was designer Marcus Tayui's vision to see patients design shoes with the proceeds benefiting the hospital that in many cases has saved their lives.

Part of the program involves a launch party held in September where more than 300 business and community leaders come together to see the shoes, bid on a limited pair and meet the patients/designers in person.

Now in its fifth year, this extraordinary program has raised nearly $2 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.

This year's shoes were unveiled September 20 and will be available November 14 at Niketowns nationwide and at www.nike.com. For event details and program information, please call 503 220-8345 or e-mail thompsta@ohsu.edu.

For the media:

Freestyle Fact Sheet (pdf)

Freestyle Press Release (pdf)

Freestyle Book Part A (pdf)

Freestyle Book Part B (pdf)