Doernbecher Freestyle Empowers Kids Through Design

Nike believes in the power of sport to create change and a better world. The Doernbecher Freestyle program — which returns for an in-person auction on October 28 — reflects this belief through the unique partnership between NIKE, Inc. and Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Doernbecher Freestyle has raised nearly $31 million for the hospital since its inception in 2004. Each year, the program gives six OHSU Doernbecher patients the opportunity to create inspiring Nike footwear, apparel and equipment designs alongside a team of Nike Design employee volunteers. The patient-named collections are auctioned and sold to benefit the hospital as a signature fundraiser. 

During a nine-month process, the patients work with a team of Nike Design volunteers to reimagine their medical journeys on their product collections. Employees review patient questionnaires and evolve the designs through multiple rounds of color and material feedback –– all alongside their patient-designers. Together, they bring the incredible collections –– and each patient’s vision and story — to life. The final designs are revealed in a much-beloved auction night that brings attention to the partnership and to the design partners’ labor of love. 

In addition to sharing their personal stories, Doernbecher Freestyle provides the young patient-designers an opportunity to give back to the hospital and experience the joy of helping inspire other kids facing similar circumstances and health challenges. Nike Design employee volunteers count the chance to donate their time and expertise to the cause as a career highlight.

Among this year’s six Doernbecher Freestyle sneaker designs, you’ll find inspirations ranging from starry nights, fruit, investing, springtime, their heritage and their sunny dispositions.

The Doernbecher Freestyle XVIII collection will launch on SNKRS, the Nike App, Nike.com and at select retailers in early 2023.