FREESTYLE XVIII 2023 – THE NIKE DOERNBECHER COLLECTION

The Nike Doernbecher Freestyle Program has been a beacon of hope and support between Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for nearly two decades. This program involves several patients from the hospital and volunteers from Nike joining forces to design unique footwear, apparel, and equipment that are then sold off as part of an auction fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the hospital. In addition, all items are also made available in limited numbers to members of the public. Over $31 million has been raised through this incredible joint venture.

This year marks the XVIII Collection of the program, which is set to be showcased at the Portland Art Museum for the first in-person in three years. Six talented designers – Dario Villaseñor Valdivia, Kylee Young, Riddhi Mahajan, Emerson Harrell, Coley Miller, and Jaren Heacock – have all shared their personal stories through their inspiring designs.

A remarkable partnership between two organizations has had far-reaching consequences, resulting in several positive outcomes. Not only has the collaboration helped to lessen financial burdens faced by families battling pediatric diseases, but it has also enabled extensive research into developing treatments that can benefit children internationally.

Meet the Designers

Dario Villaseñor Valdivia – Nike Air Huarache

Dario Villaseñor Valdivia may only be 14, but his medical team describes him as an old soul with wisdom beyond his years. Dario’s journey has certainly been a challenging one—when he received a bone marrow transplant 7 years ago to treat his leukemia, his body attacked the donor cells, resulting in severe chronic lung disease. No matter how Dario is feeling or what he’s dealing with, he always has a smile and a “How are you doing today?” for everyone he meets. His vibrant personality is evident throughout his Air Huarache, which arrives in bright orange inspired by his favorite fruit. A furry collar nods to a plush toy gifted by his sister after a long hospital stay, while stick figures on the toe box represents Dario’s passion for animation—which he plans to do professionally someday.

Kylee Young – Nike Air Presto

When Kylee Young was just 23 months old, she became confined to a wheelchair due to an E. coli infection. However, this spunky, never-give-up girl knows exactly how to get her message across using a computer, eye movement and a series of expressions that her mom calls “emoji language.” Kylee’s love for art was put to good use on her Air Presto. Because she loves being in nature, Kylee’s bright pink upper features a friendly sun, spring flowers and raindrops to help bring on the blooms. The outsole is made from glittery rubber and on the heel, you’ll find her nickname—given by her friends and family for her serious extracurricular cookie-selling skills.

Riddhi Mahajan – Air Jordan 1 Low

Riddhi Mahajan is not the type of girl to sit on the couch and watch the world go by. She’s on the tennis team. She swims. She plays basketball. She’s active in her school’s theater program, rocks a high GPA and earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do just for good measure. It’s also worth mentioning that Riddhi does all this while living with cystic fibrosis. Because this charismatic, well-rounded teen radiates positivity everywhere she goes, she designed her Air Jordan 1 to do the same. Across the toe box, Riddhi included the phrase “Brand New Day,” because she believes that each day is also a new opportunity to live, laugh and grow. Sunrise-inspired laces pair well with the sun graphic on the tongue, while the iridescent trim represents Riddhi’s bright outlook on life. An embroidered daisy adds a cheerful touch: “Daisies just make me happy, and I like that they open up in the sunshine,” she explained.

Emerson Harrell – Nike Air Max 90

When Emerson Harrell was 12 years old, he started experiencing severe stomach issues that turned out to be inflammatory bowel disease. Despite a tough year of treatments and surgeries, he never lost his cheerful disposition. His life ambitions and childhood curiosities take center stage on his Air Max 90. Nodding to his dreams of becoming an investor, U.S. currency graphics are featured on the Swoosh, and his first initial is seen reimagined as a dollar sign on the tongue and back heel. The words “Bear Down” on the side panel are a shout-out to Emerson’s favorite collegiate team, as well as a rally cry for all of life’s challenges. And if you’re wondering about the E.O. on the sockliner, Emerson has a humorous explanation: “When I was a little kid, those were the only 2 letters I could write,” he grinned. “I thought I’d add a throwback to my childhood.”

Coley Miller – Nike Air Foamposite

As a proud member of the Klamath Tribes, Coley Miller’s ancestral roots run deep in the Native American community where she grew up in Southern Oregon. While she has many happy memories of playing in the nearby forests and rivers as a child, Coley also remembers long days in the hospital being treated for chronic kidney disease. Her Air Foamposite One honors her Native American culture with a quail plume design, and a galactic backdrop as a tribute to her mother—her kidney donor—who loves to watch the stars with Coley. As for the phrase “ho mas gi” on the insole, that’s a reminder to Just Do It in the Klamath language. “I really wanted to do something that represents my people,” Coley explained.

Jaren Heacock – Nike Zoom Vomero 5

You heard it here first: The future will be assembled by Jaren Heacock. Equal parts energy and ideas, this tech-savvy 11-year-old loves creating, coding and building for his robotics team. His Zoom Vomero 5 includes nods to his tech designer dreams and honors what matters most to him—his siblings and his Chinese roots. Look inside the shoe to find his siblings’ names, along with digital firework graphics honoring the Chinese New Year. The tongue tab features the Chinese character for dragon (his zodiac sign). Jaren’s creativity is epitomized by the customizable hook-and-loop upper, including patches with his siblings’ names, his mantras in life and Swoosh-shaped dragons.

These sneakers are expected to release on February 25^th. You can find them at these SNIPES locations.