THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE

Kian Safholm is a good-natured 11-year old with an incredible sense of humor and courage to spare. That courage was put to the test two years ago when a staph infection spread throughout his body and entered his heart. It took three surgeries and months of recovery, but Kian is back to doing what he loves best: playing basketball and cheering on the team he aspires to play for when he grows up, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kian and his family are "forever grateful" to the Doernbecher team for saving his life, and that Safholm family motto makes a proud appearance on Kian's LeBron XIII (Doernbecher) Men's Basketball Shoe.

KIAN'S DESIGN

When Kian set out to design his custom LeBron XIII, he wanted to pay tribute to an athlete said to have the heart of a lion, LeBron James himself. In honor of Kian's favorite player, his design features LeBron's signature, a stylized lion logo and colors that represent the sunrise on the savannah—the lion's roaming ground. Kian's own life and values shine through in this shoe with additional hand-picked details. On the sockliner, he created his very own family crest that celebrates the things most important to him: faith, family, perseverance and, of course, basketball. Kian says the best thing about his shoe is all the good it will do for other young patients.

BENEFITS

• Nike Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel deliver responsive cushioning
• Leather and mesh upper with supportive overlays provides a comfortable fit
• Flywire cables wrap your midfoot and heel for exceptional lockdown
• Hyperposite material on the toe, midfoot and collar for durability and flexibility
• Full-length Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning
• Durable, translucent rubber outsole for 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.