Designing inspiration: Introducing the 2018 Doernbecher Freestyle patient-designers

Unique program featuring Nike designs created by young patients celebrates 15th year; has raised nearly $20 million to benefit children’s hospital

By Tracy Brawley June 15, 2018 Portland, Oregon

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Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Aiden Barber

Aiden Barber: Aiden, 9, is an incoming third-grader from Central Point, Oregon. In 2017, he underwent surgery to correct a vascular malformation. He loves football and dreams of visiting Disney World and NASA. Although they are not twins, Aiden and his sister share a birthday years apart. (Dan Root Photography)

Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Chloe Swientek

Chloe Swientek: Chloe’s secret talent is to make people smile. A soccer and football fanatic, this 10-year-old Portland resident lives with cystic fibrosis. One day, Chloe hopes to travel to England to see the Queen’s world-famous corgis. (Dan Root Photography)

Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Donovon Dinneen

Donovon Dinneen: Hailing from Riddle, Oregon, 10-year-old Donovon can not only stand on his head, but he can also run on his knees. In 2010 he was diagnosed with a rare meningococcal infection that resulted in a kidney transplant and a quadruple amputation. He loves basketball, Pokemon cards and his mom. (Dan Root Photography)

Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Joey Bates

Joey Bates: Joey, 12, loves football, playing Xbox and watching Star Wars movies. An incoming seventh-grader from Scappoose, Oregon, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Joey’s family and friends love his wonderful sense of humor. (Dan Root Photography)

Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Kirsten Brown

Kirsten Brown: Kirsten’s most prized possession is her new heart. In 2016, she suffered a stroke and underwent a heart transplant. Now, at the age of 15, Kirsten loves baseball, studying science and going to the movies with friends. She lives in Salem, Oregon. (Dan Root Photography)

Doernbecher Freestyle XV_Payton Fentress

Payton Fentress: 11-year-old Payton lives in Portland. In 2010, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He is a lover of baseball, Jurassic World, his prized guitar and a good burger and fries. (Dan Root Photography)