Nike Dunk Low Doernbecher

This Nike Dunk Low Doernbecher was designed by Zoe Taaffe, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes severe inflammation of the blood vessels. It’s so rare, only one in 1.2 million pediatric patients have it.Stabilizing Zoe required multiple blood transfusions, plasma transfusions, steroids and chemotherapy. While the long hospital stays weren’t much fun, they did provide Zoe with an up-close look at her chosen profession.

“I’ve always loved the medical field, and originally I wanted to be a surgeon,” Zoe explained. “But after being in the hospital, I decided that I want to be a nurse. My nursing team has a special place in my heart because they really showed me the meaning of kindness and compassion. That’s the kind of positivity I’d like to bring to the medical field.” When taking a closer look at the Nike Dunk Low Doernbecher, you will see that its design is inspired by Zoe’s positivity. To start, the Nike Dunk Low Doernbecher pays tribute to Zoe’s favorite team, the Oregon Ducks. Taking a deeper dive, you’ll notice Zoe’s name hidden in the zebra-like print, which doubles as a subtle nod to the stretch marks that the steroids created on Zoe’s body. Elsewhere you will find a glow-in-the-dark outsole, an Oregon Duck-inspired nursing symbol on the sockliner, the word fearless on the laces and interchangeable Velcro Swooshes that let you change up the look of the sneaker.