OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Last Night’s Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XX Collection Launch: A Milestone for Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Last night, Nike and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital celebrated a major achievement as they introduced the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XX Collection. This marks 20 years of the patient-designer program, a unique initiative led by Nike volunteer product experts that has seen 122 young creatives reimagine Nike silhouettes. Not only has this project produced exciting new sneakers, but it has also raised over $37 million USD to date.
A Sneak Peek at the Exclusive Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle” and Apparel
While we got a glimpse of this year’s cohort of patient-designers’ creations yesterday, we now have a preview of the special auction-exclusive Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle” and its accompanying apparel. The AJ20, originally released in 2005, was designed as a tribute to 20 years of the Air Jordan 1 and subsequent releases in the Air Jordan line. Now, it serves as the foundation for another 20th anniversary being celebrated through the Nike Doernbecher Freestyle program.
Retired Nike VP Mark Smith Returns to Design the Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle”
For this special pair, retired VP of special projects in Nike Innovation and longtime Doernbecher Freestyle contributor Mark Smith came out of retirement. Smith was responsible for designing the original tapestry that adorns the straps of the AJ20, paying homage to Michael Jordan’s legacy. Smith shares, “With the living tapestry for MJ, we wanted the assortment to feel almost like a dream state, when you lose a sense of chronological order and are transported down a path of key memories. There’s no start or finish. You navigate it on a personal level.” Staying true to this unique approach, the laser-engraved graphics on this special colorway feature symbols from the hospital, therapy dogs, and the red couch at Nike’s WHQ where early meetings for the program were held. The initials of all 122 patient-designers are also included, along with references to the sneakers they created. To learn more about Smith’s involvement in the original AJ20 and this one-of-a-kind design, check out Nike’s recent web story.
Exclusive Auction of 20 Pairs of Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle” to Benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
As mentioned, the Air Jordan 20 is accompanied by a special shoe box and wooden box, both featuring the tapestry design. The collection also includes a black Tech Fleece Bomber and t-shirt, with the bomber featuring a Nike Doernbecher Freestyle callout and a caped character on the back. The t-shirt showcases blue thematic graphics, including the tapestry, on the front. Only 20 numbered pairs of the Air Jordan 20 “Doernbecher Freestyle” will be available for auction through Sotheby’s starting on October 21, with the event ending on October 30 at 12pm EDT. All proceeds will go towards supporting OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
