Nike, Doernbecher debut patient-designed shoes

By Erik Siemers, Portland Business Journal Published: Oct 29, 2012 at 11:44 AM PDT
Nike, Doernbecher debut patient-designed shoes
Autumn Boynton, 10, is a survivor of kidney cancer thanks to the transplant she received from her father. She designed this women's Air Max90 DB featuring her favorite colors, pink and black, and is laden with stars and peace signs.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Nike Inc. and OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital on Saturday lifted the veil on this year's Freestyle Collection featuring footwear designed by Doernbecher patients.

Producers and designers at the Washington County footwear and apparel brand (NYSE: NKE) work hand-in-hand with selected patients to design shoes in their vision. The company then manufactures, distributes and sells the limited-edition collection at Nike.com and across several of its own retail stores, with proceeds benefiting Doernbecher. The shoes go on sale beginning Nov. 30.

The program raised $1.2 million for Doernbecher last year and has raised more than $5 million in its nine-year history.

And check back later to the Portland Business Journal's Threads & Laces blog for a more in-depth photo story on 10-year-old Autumn Boynton and the creative process behind the future rock star's black-and-pink Air Max 90s.

The Portland Business Journal is a KATU News partner.