At the age of nine, Cole Johanson was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma which required immediate chemotherapy treatment. During his year-long battle with cancer, he vowed that he would do something special, and at age 11, Johanson designed one of the most popular Nike shoes ever – his own Air Jordans. His story proves that we should never give up, and always pursue what inspires us.
The Fight of His Life
Prior to his diagnosis, Cole Johanson always considered himself a normal child. When he first noticed that his stomach was starting to grow, he assumed it was from eating too many cheeseburgers and thought nothing of it. During the summer of 2008, he had trouble breathing and was rushed to the ER, where he learned that he had lymphoma. At one point, the pain was so severe, he could barely speak. After weeks in the ICU with a tumor the size of a grapefruit in his stomach, Johanson whispered to his dad that he was going to do something special when he recovered.
Opportunity Knocks
Fortunately, Johanson responded well to the chemotherapy treatment and when it came time for his Make-A-Wish day, he was cancer-free. Johanson had always been an avid basketball fan, so his Make-A-Wish day was spent meeting NBA star Chris Paul of the LA Clippers. Just when he thought things couldn’t get any better, the opportunity of a lifetime came his way. As it turns out, the hospital he was treated at had a partnership with Doernbecher Freestyle, a program led by Nike’s creative team which gives cancer patients the opportunity to design their own pair of Nike shoes. All proceeds from selling the custom shoes go to the Doerbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Johanson decided to participate in the program and since the Doerbecher Freestyle organizers knew that he loved basketball, they gave him a pair of 2010 Air Jordan shoes to design. Johanson used a red color for the shoes (the only Air Jordans ever made in red) and included spaghetti and chocolate engravings on the pull-tabs. The insoles featured the words “strength” and “courage” to complete the look.
The shoes became an instant hit. They quickly sold out and were even found on eBay for more than $1,000. Last year, Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson wore Johanson’s design in two games. Johanson created what turned out to be one of the most popular pair of shoes ever released by the program.
A Shoe Designer Is Born
The Doerbecher organizers knew that the Johanson loved basketball, so they gifted him with a pair of 2010 Air Jordans. Johanson went with a red color (the only Air Jordans ever made in red) and included spaghetti and chocolate engravings on the pull-tabs. The insoles featured the words “strength” and “courage” to complete the look. The shoes became an instant hit, selling out quickly, and selling on eBay for some $1,000. Last year Bulls guard Nate Robinson even wore Johanson’s design in two games!
Johanson Today
Johanson will enter his freshman year of high school this fall, with his sneakers still as popular as ever. In fact, they are so popular; they became the first Doernbecher Jordans ever to be re-released! In July of 2013 it was announced that an extra 3,000 pairs would be made due to the continued high demand. The sneakers retail for $160 per pair, and proceeds from the sale of the shoes go to the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The promise Johanson made to his dad while lying in his hospital bed, he has more than delivered on. And while it certainly looks like he has a promising career as a shoe designer, he is taking the time to explore all of his future options.
To learn more about resources for cancer patients, or to find Las Vegas cancer treatment, contact Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, an affiliate of UCLA and The US Oncology Network, at (702) 952-3350.