A RESILIENT SPIRIT

John Charles is a kid of many talents: He plays soccer, does gymnastics, wrestles and can even raise one eyebrow. Since his diagnosis of Crohn's disease, John's discovered that he can also swallow seven pills at once in order to manage his health. John hopes to become a professional soccer player when he grows up. Until then, he's content to cheer on the Portland Timbers and take each day as it comes. While he says his family is one of his main sources of support, his dad Tony says it's the other way around. John's Air Jordan XIII Retro (Doernbecher) Men's Shoe features inspiring signature details that represent John's courage, resilience and positive outlook on life.

JOHN'S DESIGN

John has put his fingerprint on this Air Jordan XIII Retro by including his notable accomplishments, his soccer number, a cartoon kid with a raised brow, and even seven pills to represent his many health-managing meds. The most powerful feature—and the hardest to spot—is the word 'Crohn's' on the outsole so he can literally stomp out the disease. To aid in the effort, the words 'courage', 'strength' and 'fight' surround the midsole. John's twin brother Jonah makes an appearance on the sockliner, as do his beloved German shepherd Teagan and an Egyptian pyramid. Even his favorite foods, chicken and jo-jos, get a shout out on the lace tips.

BENEFITS

• Full-grain leather and synthetic upper with foam-backed lining for a secure, comfortable fit
• Full-length Phylon midsole with Zoom Air unit for lightweight, responsive cushioning
• Modified herringbone outsole pattern with rubber pods for durability and traction

ABOUT DOERNBECHER

Doernbecher Children's Hospital has been helping heal children and families in the Oregon and Washington area since 1926. It's a national leader in research and education and offers a wide range of comprehensive pediatric care. The Doernbecher Freestyle program, a partnership between Nike and Doernbecher, allows a group of special patients who have triumphed over serious illnesses to design authentic Nike shoes. Since the partnership began in 2004, the program has raised more than $11 million. This collection is sold on a limited-edition basis in select Nike locations and on Nike.com.