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The Inspiring Story Behind Nike’s Doernbecher Collection
While many know Nike for its iconic athletic wear and groundbreaking innovations, fewer are aware of one of its most heartwarming initiatives: the Doernbecher Freestyle program. This incredible collaboration with the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon transforms the dreams of young patients into wearable art, all while raising crucial funds for the hospital.
A Partnership Born in Oregon
Nike’s main headquarters are located in Oregon, the same state that houses the renowned Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This hospital specializes in caring for younger adults and children battling serious illnesses, including cancer and other terminal conditions. It’s within this compassionate environment that a unique program blossomed.
Kids as Designers: A Contest of Creativity
Every year, or sometimes every two years, Nike hosts a special contest where young patients from Doernbecher Children’s Hospital are given the extraordinary opportunity to design their very own Nike shoe. These aren’t just doodles; the winning designs are brought to life, transforming into real, limited-edition sneakers that capture the spirit and vision of their young creators.
Impactful Designs with Resale Value
The Doernbecher collection has become highly sought after by sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike. These shoes often resell for significant amounts, driven not only by their unique aesthetics but also by the powerful stories behind each design. The program has been incredibly impactful, demonstrating how creativity can intersect with philanthropy to make a tangible difference.
One example is the Air Jordan 15 Doernbecher. These particular shoes were designed by a child battling an illness. The designer infused unique elements, such as “fish scales” on the side, which replaced the standard material found on an original Air Jordan 15. The original Air Jordan 15 is also known for its distinctive tongue design, which was meant to symbolize Michael Jordan sticking out his tongue during play. While newer retro releases of the Air Jordan 15 might remove this iconic tongue feature, the Doernbecher versions often retain the original spirit of the child’s design, making them truly special.
More Than Just a Shoe
Beyond the Air Jordan 15, other popular Doernbecher models have included the Air Jordan 9s, 8s, and various Air Max silhouettes, each carrying the unique touch of its young designer. Owning a pair of these shoes means more than just having a rare collectible; it means carrying a piece of someone’s journey, their courage, and their creativity. It brings a smile to many, knowing the profound story behind each pair.
Disclaimer: The info in this article may or may not be true. This was taken from a conversation from The Grind It Up Podcast and should not be used as your reliable news source but rather entertainment.
This info can be found in this episode of The Grind It Up Podcast
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