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Nike, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital introduce 2016 Doernbecher Freestyle patient-designers

Six patients from across Oregon to design personalized Nike footwear and apparel to benefit hospital

In honor of the strength, spirit and creativity of its patients, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital today announced the patient-designers for the 13th annual Doernbecher Freestyle program:

  • Corwin Carr, 11, Hood River, Oregon
  • Andy Grass, 11, Beaverton, Oregon
  • Chehayla Hyatt, 10, Salem, Oregon
  • Damien Phillips, 10, Terrebonne, Oregon
  • Braylin Soon, 10, Portland, Oregon
  • Chase Swearingen, 14, Jewell, Oregon

An extraordinary partnership between OHSU and Nike, Inc., the Doernbecher Freestyle program gives patients the opportunity to make their mark designing one-of-a-kind Nike footwear and apparel collections to support the hospital that changed their lives.

“For 13 years, Doernbecher Freestyle has served as a source of inspiration for every child that has experienced a severe medical challenge,” said Dana Braner, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.C.C.M., physician-in-chief, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and professor and interim chair, Department of Pediatrics, OHSU School of Medicine. “All children have the potential to achieve their dreams, and Doernbecher Freestyle unleashes this potential, providing a preview of amazing things to come. We are proud of this remarkable relationship with Nike, and the opportunity to unveil the unstoppable superstar that we believe exists in every child."

Each year, hospital physicians, nurses and staff nominate patients from around Oregon and Southwest Washington to design limited-edition footwear and apparel. The selected designers travel to Nike World Headquarters where they meet a dedicated world-class Nike design and development team, brainstorm ideas and begin sketching their creations. The kids use their designs to express powerful personal messages — sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical — about their lives, their experiences and their hopes for the future.

Their designs will be unveiled at the annual Doernbecher Freestyle auction taking place in Portland, Oregon on Oct. 28, 2016, before they are made available at nike.com and at select North America retail locations in November.

Since its inception in 2003, the Doernbecher Freestyle program has engaged 76 OHSU Doernbecher patients, deeply involving their families and engaging Nike employees. All proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime experience for the kids support OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. To-date, the program has raised $14 million to expand pioneering research, support clinical care, purchase state-of-the-art equipment, recruit new experts and help cover the cost of care for families in need.

Doernbecher Freestyle was conceived by Michael Doherty, Senior Creative Director of Nike Global Brand Presentations and longtime board member of the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation, after his son suggested Nike create custom shoes to honor patients.

2016 Doernbecher Freestyle Patient-Designer Profiles

Corwin Carr, 11, Hood River, Oregon
Diagnosis: VATERS Syndrome, Prune Belly
What do you want to be when you grow up? A pilot
Hero: My mom
Favorite hobby: Legos

“Corwin is a delightful boy with an exuberance for life, despite the many issues related to his complicated medical condition. He is gregarious and creative, and is always engaged with intriguing projects whether at home, school, or the hospital.” – Amira Al-Uzri, M.D., and David Rozansky, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Pediatric Nephrology, OHSU Doernbecher

Andy Grass, 11, Beaverton, Oregon
Diagnosis: Trauma
What do you want to be when you grow up? NBA player and a physical therapist
Hero: Aunt Peggy
Favorite hobby: Playing basketball and baseball

“Throughout a very difficult hospitalization and prolonged recovery, Andy has remained incredibly resilient and positive. He is a fighter and serves as a true inspiration to his health care team, family and friends.” – Aileen Kirby, M.D., Division of Pediatric Critical Care, OHSU Doernbecher

Chehayla Hyatt, 10, Salem, Oregon
Diagnosis: Cystic Fibrosis
What do you want to be when you grow up? Work at a zoo, or be a “YouTube-er”
Hero: My dog
Favorite hobby: Playing videogames

“People are immediately drawn to Chehayla’s spunk, creativity and passion for life. She is an amazing educator and advocate in the Cystic Fibrosis community and exudes inspiration, courage and determination to those around her.”– Michael Powers M.D., Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, OHSU Doernbecher; and Emily Somervell, medical social worker, OHSU Doernbecher

Damien Phillips, 10, Terrebonne, Oregon
Diagnosis: Hemophilia A Severe
What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist or NBA player
Hero: Uncle Mark
Favorite hobby: Playing the guitar

“Damien is a natural leader. He is eager to share his experiences living with an isolating condition so that others may learn from and understand the challenges and opportunities of living with a severe bleeding disorder. He is inspiring, courageous and dedicated.” – Michael Recht, M.D., Ph. D., Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, OHSU Doernbecher

Braylin Soon, 10, Portland, Oregon
Diagnosis: Autoimmune Hepatitis, liver transplant
What do you want to be when you grow up? Actress
Hero: Ironman and Dr. Garcia
Favorite hobby: Acting

“Braylin’s outlook on life, and the way she has taken control of her disease, is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. She has never let her disease define who she is, nor has she ever let it get in the way of pursuing her wildest dreams.” – Amy Garcia M.D., Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, OHSU Doernbecher

Chase Swearingen, 14, Jewell, Oregon
Diagnosis: Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus
What do you want to be when you grow up? Neuropsychologist or Web designer
Hero: Dr. Selden
Favorite hobby: Legos

“Chase is an extraordinary kid. He is thoughtful and determined, and has a strong interest in his condition, which has allowed him to overcome and exceed all expectations. There is a bright future ahead for Chase.” – Nate Selden, M.D., Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, OHSU Doernbecher

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