Nike/Doernbecher Freestyle

Doernbecher Freestyle VI Patient-designers
Back row:  Colin Callsen, Bradley Bowlby
Middle row:  Molly Martin, Anna Finley,
Jordan Dark
Front row:  Makayla Hansen

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 sixth 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 will be unveiled September 19 and will be available in November at Niketowns nationwide and at www.nike.com. For event details and program information, please call 503 220-8344 or e-mail leblanc@ohsu.edu.