Age: 12
Hometown: Creswell, OR
Diagnosis: Chronic Kidney Disease
Shoe: Air Max 1/97
Nothing makes Owen William Flint feel more alive than a dirt bike and an open trail. It’s a feeling this energetic kid doesn’t take for granted after being diagnosed with renal failure at birth. Owen had his first surgery when he was just one day old to place a dialysis catheter that would be his lifeline until he received a kidney transplant when he was two.
A decade later, Owen still receives monthly infusions to help protect his body against organ rejection. Other than that, life looks a lot like it does for any other child his age — playing sports, watching superhero movies with his brother and chasing adventure on his dirt bike. “Thanks to Doernbecher, I get to be a regular kid,” he said.
Every detail of Owen’s very own Air Max 1/97 celebrates the hobbies and heroes that have shaped his journey. A dirt bike figure hanging off the shoes and a spinning wheel lace dubrae reflect his passion for riding. Owen even added faux mud splatters, so you never have to worry about getting them dirty. In a motocross-inspired font, the number 88 appears loud and proud on the midsole— that’s been his baseball jersey number for as long as he can remember.
Owen’s sneakers also feature his love of superheroes. His doctors even helped explain his rejection treatments in such terms, referring to his infusions as a hero’s shield that helps fight the supervillain antibodies trying to attack his kidneys. The bold red and gold color-blocking on his sneakers is a nod to his little brother Orion’s favorite superhero.
According to Owen, his early experiences at Doernbecher helped shape his plans for the future. “My nurses were so cool,” he recalled. “I used to have ginormous blaster wars with them in the hallway, and once I organized a water fight with saline flushes on the infusion floor.” Inspired by the compassion and fun his care team brought to every visit, Owen now hopes to become a pediatric nurse so he can help other kids facing medical challenges.
Gratitude is a word that comes up often when Owen reflects on his journey. “My family and my medical team have always had my back, and I feel really lucky to have them by my side,” he said. He added that being a Freestyle designer is just one more reason to feel thankful. “I’m one of six very lucky kids, and I hope my shoe helps a lot of people.”
"Thanks to Doernbecher, I got to be a regular kid."
