Doernbecher Freestyle 22: Meet this year’s patient-designers

June 04, 2026 OHSU Communications Community , Philanthropy

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Six young patients from OHSU Doernbecher will reveal their personally designed Nike sneakers on Friday, October 16 at the Portland Art Museum. (Courtesy of Jason Hill)

The Doernbecher Freestyle program is returning for its 22^nd year with six new patient-designers — each with their own unique story of bravery, gratitude and hope.

The longstanding partnership between Nike and Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is an opportunity for young patients to collaborate with Nike design teams to create their own limited-edition footwear collection inspired by their personal healthcare journey, with all profits benefiting the hospital where they received care. The complete collection will be unveiled at the annual auction event on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Portland Art Museum.

The profits from these sought-after designs — totaling over $44 million since the program’s inception — help cover the cost of care for families in need, expand pioneering research that benefits kids around the world, and support specialized care unavailable anywhere else in the region.

Dana Braner, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.C.C.M. (OHSU)

“Doernbecher Freestyle is a special celebration of the more than 80,000 children who will come for care at Doernbecher throughout the year, and the support this program provides is vital to helping children and families access every phase of pediatric care,” said Dana Braner, M.D., FAAP, FCCM, physician-in-chief at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, professor and chair of pediatrics in the OHSU School of Medicine, and Credit Unions for Kids chair.

“We continue to be amazed and inspired by the community support and industry partnerships that make this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible,” he said. “To Nike – who knows that every child is a superstar in their own right – our deepest thanks.”

Since its inception in 2004, community support for the Doernbecher Freestyle program has continued to grow. Last year’s sneaker auction raised a record high in the program’s history to support OHSU Doernbecher’s vital mission.

Shoes from this year’s patient-designers, which reflect their personal journeys, passions and personalities, will be available on the SNKRS app and at select retailers this winter.

Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. (OHSU)

“Year after year, this remarkable partnership continues to create long-lasting, meaningful impacts, ensuring that lifesaving care is always available for kids at Doernbecher,” said OHSU President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. “With over $44 million raised, Doernbecher Freestyle has provided the extraordinary gift of hope and healing for countless children and families in our community.”

Meet the 2026 Doernbecher Freestyle patient-designers

Aurora (Courtesy)

Aurora

Age: 9
Hometown: Longview, WA
Diagnosis: Bilateral dysplastic kidneys
Favorite athlete: Anyone on the Seattle Seahawks
Favorite activity: Dance
Inspiration: Watching people who never give up

Avery (Courtesy)

Avery

Age: 13
Hometown: Tualatin, OR
Diagnosis: Obsessive compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Favorite sport: Ballet or baseball
Perfect day: Spending time in Paris with her friends, family and Taylor Swift
Future goal: To change the world for the better