Zoe Taaffe, who designed the Nike Dunk Low “Doernbecher”, 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.”
Zoe’s positivity is apparent everywhere on her Nike Dunk Low. At first glance, it just looks like a cool tribute to her favorite team, the Oregon Ducks. But look close, and you’ll notice Zoe’s name cleverly hidden in the zebra-like print. Look even closer and you’ll realize that it’s more than a zebra print; it’s a subtle nod to the stretch marks that the steroids created on Zoe’s body. Other details includes 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 your look.
Look for the Nike Dunk Low “Doernbecher” to release in the coming weeks at select retailers and Nike.com.
Style Code: DR7305-100
Release Date: 2022
Price: TBA
