Kid Captain
Kid Captain
The 2026 Kid Captains
Select a kid to learn more about their story
Harlow Taube, 6, Orion, Illinois
Iowa vs. Northern Illinois, Sept. 5
A routine newborn screening revealed that Harlow Taube has mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), an extremely rare genetic disorder. While there is no cure, early diagnosis allowed Harlow to begin lifesaving treatment soon after birth. Earlier this year, she reached an incredible milestone - more than 300 infusions - and will continue to receive weekly treatment at Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Charlie Price, 10, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Iowa vs. Iowa State, Sept. 12
At age 4, unusual bruising led Charlie and his family to Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening bone marrow disorder. After an unexpected setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlie underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a successful bone marrow transplant in May 2020.
Beau Harvey, 15, Cascade, Iowa
Iowa vs. UNI, Sept. 19
Born with a rare heart defect called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, Beau Harvey underwent several surgeries in Michigan before transferring his care to Stead Family Children’s Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with plastic bronchitis, a rare complication that caused lymph fluid to build up in his airways and make breathing difficult. In November 2025, Beau received a heart transplant and is now looking ahead with hope.
Lily Lee, 11, Fort Dodge, Iowa
Iowa at Michigan, Sept. 26
At 14 months old, Lily Lee still wasn’t walking. As she began to progressively weaken, tests at her local hospital showed nothing unusual. Following a referral to Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Lily was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that weakens her muscles over time. Though no treatment was available then, the first therapy was approved 10 months later. Lily continues to receive treatment through a lumbar puncture every four months to slow the progression of the disease.
Eliana Gaul, 9, Peosta, Iowa
Iowa vs. Ohio State, Oct. 3
Diagnosed before birth with spina bifida, Eliana arrived at just 25 weeks' gestation weighing slightly more than a pound after a planned fetal surgery could not be completed. Since transferring her care to Stead Family Children’s Hospital as an infant, she has undergone numerous procedures, including laser eye surgery, treatment for club feet and kidney stones, shunt placement for hydrocephalus, implantation of a brain stimulator for epilepsy, hip dysplasia correction, and most recently, spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis.
JJ Ward, 6, Davenport, Iowa
Iowa at Washington, Oct. 9
JJ Ward underwent emergency bowel surgery less than a day after he was born. Diagnosed with meconium ileus, surgeons removed one-third of his small intestine and inserted a temporary feeding tube. The obstruction can serve as a sign of cystic fibrosis, and tests confirmed that JJ had the disease. The hereditary condition causes damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. JJ has been enrolled in cystic fibrosis clinical studies and takes medication to slow progression of the disease.
Kaelyn O'Brien, 13, Jesup, Iowa
Iowa at Minnesota, Oct. 24
When Kaelyn O’Brien couldn’t walk down the hallway and her speech became slurred, her parents thought their then 11-year-old daughter was having a stroke. After a series of tests, Kaelyn was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. She also experienced a rare complication called paraneoplastic syndrome, in which her immune system fought the cancer, but mistakenly attacked the part of the brain responsible for balance, language production, and fine motor skills. Alongside chemotherapy, Kaelyn had to re-learn basic skills, like writing and walking. Today, her cancer is in remission.
Charley Rasmussen, 14, Marion, Iowa
Iowa vs. Wisconsin, Oct. 31
Kindergarten was hard for Charley Rasmussen. She often felt sick, lost 20 pounds in a single month, and experienced severe pain that sometimes woke her at night. As her health declined, her family searched for answers. In January 2018, Charley was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a rare condition in which the body does not produce enough essential hormones. With treatment and the support of her care team, Charley and her family established a plan to help her thrive.
Ellie Walker, 4, Clinton, Iowa
Iowa at Northwestern, Nov. 7
Ellie Walker's smile, determination, and joyful spirit inspired her family, care team, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Selected as a 2026 Kid Captain before her passing earlier this summer, Ellie will be honored as a member of this year's Kid Captain class.
Her journey began at age 3, when sudden headaches and vomiting led to the diagnosis of a rare and aggressive stage IV brain cancer called pineoblastoma. Throughout treatment, Ellie met each challenge with remarkable courage and resilience.
Beau Byers, 7, Swisher, Iowa
Iowa vs. Purdue, Nov. 14
At age 3, Beau Byers was diagnosed with stage III, group III embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma after experiencing severe stomach pain. The next morning, surgeons removed most of a softball-sized tumor, and scans showed the cancer had spread only to two lymph nodes near his bladder. After months of chemotherapy and radiation, Beau is now in remission.
Henry Jaeger, 12, Keota, Iowa
Iowa at Illinois, Nov. 21
At eight years old, Henry collapsed while playing basketball at home after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. At Stead Family Children’s Hospital, he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition that ultimately led to a heart transplant shortly after his ninth birthday. A few months later, Henry faced another challenge when he was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare complication following transplant. Henry continues to return to his care team for follow-up and is moving forward with resilience.
Isaac Raue, 15, Coggon, Iowa
Iowa vs. Nebraska, Nov. 27
A house fire that tragically took the life of his father left Isaac with life-threatening third-degree burns over 25 percent of his body. Isaac was taken to a local hospital before being flown to Stead Family Children’s Hospital. After being stabilized in the pediatric intensive care unit, Isaac spent 60 days recovering in the burn unit, undergoing skin grafts and other surgeries. Isaac periodically continues to undergo treatment, with his most recent skin graft in December of last year.