PALO ALTO, Calif-- Fashion has a new name at Packard Children’s Hospital. Cool shoes.
 
Just seen in the halls of Packard Children’s? Oscar Ituarte, an 18-year-old leukemia patient from San Jose, wearing some one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Vans tennis shoes. “They’re covered with images of my favorite Brazilian soccer team,” said Oscar, thrilled to have kicks that are unlike any other. “You won’t find these at Foot Locker.”
 
Oscar’s new shoes are the brainchild of 16-year-old volunteer and straight-A student Katie Chabolla of Alamo, CA, an artist and Web entrepreneur who’s on track to become the Bill Gates of custom-painted tennis shoes. “I love kids, I love art, and I love painting shoes,” said Katie, whose recently launched K’Cha Kicks Web site takes orders from Vans fans around the world. “But nothing I’ve done is as fun as volunteering with these kids.”
 
To make it happen, Katie goes bedside to meet patients and collaborate on an original image. The chosen image is drawn by the patient (or Katie) and sketched onto a paper template. Once colors are selected, the patient colors the image with Katie’s help. Next, it’s outlined on a new pair of plain, white, slip-on Vans, then fabric paints are applied. Later? The durable and water-resistant shoes are ready to go public. (See examples at http://www.chabolla.com/vans.htm).
 
“Katie is amazing,” said Maryellen Lozzi, manager of volunteer services at Packard Children’s. “All our volunteers do wonderful things for our families, but this project stands out for its originality.”
 
This business-savvy teen has found an innovative way to combine her love of Vans with her passion for art, making the rest of us look like slackers. Word about her Web biz is spreading, and Katie has now customized over 30 pairs of Vans based on requests received from places like Ireland and Japan. The first pair Katie ever painted was a salute to the English group ‘Muse,’ and she takes orders for everything from celebrities to animated characters. Katie’s been recognized in both regional art and business entrepreneurship competitions, and for her 2-week volunteer project, she’s painting her way through 40 pairs of Vans footed by the company.
 
“My wife and I are very proud of Katie.  She loves to help others and give back,” said dad Greg Chabolla, who’s not surprised by her accomplishments. “Despite lots of opportunities and demands, she’s worked tirelessly on ‘Shoes for the Blues’,” which is being rolled out under the direction of the hospital’s Recreation Therapy and Child Life team. Of course, making great grades, starting a global business and volunteering at a hospital does have a downside. “She hasn’t had the time to get her driver’s permit,” said Greg.
 
Now prepping to enter the 11th grade at Monte Vista High School in Danville, Katie will always remember providing kids such a cool and soulful way to express themselves. “It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” said Katie, who plans to give every Vans princess and superhero a different look. “I want my art to reflect something unique about each child, and these shoes are a perfect canvas.”