Age: 13
Hometown: Tualatin, OR
Diagnosis: OCD & ADHD, Combined Type
Shoe: Air Jordan 11 Low IE
Have you ever met a posh British alien named Greg? You have now. He’s just one of the colorful creatures dreamed up by Avery, who loves writing her own stories filled with a whimsical cast of everchanging characters.
In June of 2024, Avery’s busy mind suddenly became consumed with the idea that she wasn’t clean enough. “I spent hours in the shower scrubbing my skin raw because I felt dirty,” she admitted. “It got to the point where I didn’t even want my family to hug me because I was scared of being contaminated.” Avery and her family were referred to the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic at Doernbecher, where she was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Over the months that followed, Avery worked closely with OHSU Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Director Kyle P. Johnson, M.D., who taught her how to challenge intrusive thoughts with the help of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Two years later, the fears that consumed so much of Avery’s day no longer dictate how she lives her life. She can go to sleepovers, hug her family without hesitation and even snuggle her beloved chickens Squiggles, Dibbles, Peanut and Fluff-Butt. “Dr. Johnson opened up my whole world,” said Avery. “I’ll never forget what he did for me.”
Much of Avery’s world is reflected on her very own sneaker, which features Greg the Alien in a starring role as a plushie keychain. He’s joined by a whole host of Avery’s hand-drawn creatures on the midsole, and detachable charm bracelets draped across the heel.
Hidden beneath the tongue, a custom license plate displays “PPY-143” celebrating the memory of Avery’s beloved grandfather, Poppy, along with the number of letters in each word of “I love you.” And the word neurospicy on the upper? That’s a playful nod to her experience with OCD.
The way Avery sees it, being different is a superpower—which is why she added that phrase to the bottom of her glow-in-thedark outsole. “I’m so freaking proud to be an OCD survivor,” she smiled. “I want people struggling with their mental health to know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and that the things that make you different can also make you strong.”
"Dr. Johnson opened up my whole world. I'll never forget what he did for me."
