# Patient-Created Sneakers The Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection Shares Six Storytelling Designs By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-10-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doernbecher-freestyle References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/425519/Nike-Taps-Children-s-Hospital-Patients-As-Designers-For-Latest-Sneakers/) & [about.nike](https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/collections/doernbecher-freestyle-19-collection-official-images)  The newest iteration of the Doernbecher Freestyle, a program created by the Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-doernbecher-freestyle), shares six [patient-designed silhouettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneaker-maker). Guided by a team of product experts, the patients created meaningful designs with hidden details, special messages and vibrant color palettes. These creative expressions of individuality tell the stories of passions, life experiences and medical journeys in a wearable way with the world. Doernbecher Freestyle Project got its start in 2004 as a design initiative by Nike to help raise money for the OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and since its inception, Nike has raised more than $33 million to benefit the hospital. The Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection is set to drop in December. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 18% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Patient-created Designs:** Patients collaborate with product experts to create meaningful sneaker designs that tell their unique stories. - **Hidden Details:** Sneaker designs feature hidden details that add depth and personalization to the overall aesthetic. - **Wearable Storytelling:** Sneakers become a wearable canvas for patients to express their passions, life experiences, and medical journeys. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion and Apparel:** Patient-designed sneakers present an opportunity for the fashion and apparel industry to embrace individuality and personal storytelling. - **Healthcare:** Collaboration between healthcare institutions and brands like Nike can enhance patient experiences and raise funds for hospitals. - **Product Design:** The collaboration between patients and product experts in creating meaningful sneaker designs exemplifies the potential for innovation in the field of product design. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Boldly Tonal Patient-Designed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-doernbecher-freestyle.md) - [Food-Themed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-x-nike-air-force-1.md) - [Iced Coffee-Honoring Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-coffee-day.md) - [Charitable Horse Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/horse-kicks.md) - [Makeup Artist-Crafted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn-silhouette.md) - [Glowing Collaborative Y2K Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vomero-5-1.md) - [Fuzzy Winter-Themed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abominable-snowman-dunk-low.md) - [Family Ties-Inspired Dynamic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/con-mi-familia.md) - [Story-Driven Sneaker Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/while-you-were-sleeping.md)