Kid Captain
Announcing the 2025 Kid Captains
Select a kid to learn more about their story
Nolan Stevenson, 9, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Iowa vs. UAlbany, Aug. 30
After a serious UTV accident on the family farm, 6-year-old Nolan was transferred to Stead Family Children's hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Over the course of three months, he endured more than a dozen surgeries and intensive wound care, including a hemipelvectomy to remove part of his pelvis, and skin grafts to repair injuries to his skin. Today, he uses a prosthetic and continues to heal with support from his team.
James Hall, 5, Dyersville, Iowa
Iowa at Iowa State, Sept. 6
What started as a believed recurrent ear infection in James, quickly turned into something far more serious: two brain tumors and a rare, cancer-like disorder. After initial treatment, a second, even more aggressive brain tumor was suspected.
Despite the challenges, James continues to receive expert care and ongoing monitoring. His journey is still unfolding but is led by determination and hope.
Gwendolyn Clouse, 7, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Iowa vs. UMass, Sept. 13
Gwendolyn was diagnosed as an infant with a rare and fatal genetic disorder that affects every major organ system. Her parents were told she likely wouldn’t live past her first birthday.
Now several years later, and with the help of her care team at Stead Family Children's Hospital, she hears with cochlear implants, manages seizures through specialized care, and continues to surpass expectations.
Liam Bartleson, 11, Altoona, Iowa
Iowa at Rutgers, Sept. 20
Liam was just two days old when it was discovered he was having hundreds of seizures each day. Diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder, traditional treatments didn’t work. His care team enrolled him in an experimental cannabidiol trial, dramatically reducing his seizures and advancing medical research.
Today, Liam now communicates through facial expressions and continues to thrive under expert care.
Jaxton Engstrom, 18, Waterloo, Iowa
Iowa vs Indiana, Sept. 27
Jaxton began losing his vision when he was around 5 years old, leading to an initial diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disorder. He learned braille and how to navigate with a cane, but less than two years later, Jaxton collapsed and had a seizure. He was rushed to the emergency room and referred to Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Genetic testing led to the diagnosis of Batten disease, a rare and fatal neurological disorder.
Lily Sebastian, 12, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Iowa at Wisconsin, Oct. 11
Born prematurely at just over 2 pounds with a rare abdominal birth defect, Lily spent nearly her entire first year of life in the hospital. She faced multiple surgeries, including one just a day after birth.
Lily continues to manage chronic kidney disease and a heart condition, but now school-aged, she exceeds expectations under the care of her long-standing team.
Micah Norby, 7, Greenfield, Iowa
Iowa vs. Penn State, Oct. 18
Micah was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy after his parents noticed him falling more often and lagging behind on the soccer field. A new gene therapy designed to slow the progression of the disease offered hope but needed to be administered before age six.
After delays from an insurance appeal and an unexpected illness, the treatment was approved and administered the day before his sixth birthday. Micah became the first boy to receive the infusion at Stead Family Children’s Hospital, outside of clinical trials.
Luke Johnston, 8, Dunlap, Illinois
Iowa vs Minnesota, Oct. 25
Luke’s rare spinal condition put him at risk of paralysis, and only a few surgeons in the world perform the operation he needed. His family searched the country before finding the right care at Stead Family Children’s Hospital. After a 13-hour surgery on Halloween, Luke began a long recovery, made brighter by his care team, who showed up in costume and a furry facility-dog, Corrin.
Harper Atkinson, 10, Wapello, Iowa
Iowa vs. Oregon, Nov. 8
Harper’s bone disease is truly unique. By age 2, she began suffering unexplained bone fractures. Now, with more than 35 breaks behind her, she’s living with a condition so rare, her care team at Stead Family Children’s Hospital believes she is the only person in the world with the condition. She also lives with craniosynostosis and Chiari malformation, both requiring expert surgical care. Though there’s no cure, her symptoms are managed with the help of a dedicated team.
Blake Bonta, 12, Urbandale, Iowa
Iowa at USC, Nov. 15
Blake was a healthy 9-year-old until his energy faded, and he began getting sick at school. A sudden headache at his birthday party led to the discovery of a brain tumor that had already spread. Transferred to Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Blake underwent major surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Today, he’s regaining strength and mobility and continues to be followed closely by his care team.
Ray Walker, 7, Indianola, Iowa
Iowa vs. Michigan State, Nov. 22
Ray’s seizures began in infancy, and after multiple misdiagnoses, he was found to have a rare brain condition requiring functional hemispherectomy - a surgery that disconnects one half of the brain at 19 months old. Ray continues to improve and has been seizure-free for five years.
Millie Judge, 9, Des Moines, Iowa
Iowa at Nebraska, Nov. 28
Millie was transferred to Stead Family Children’s Hospital shortly after birth due to breathing issues, eventually undergoing open heart surgery at just 4 months old. She was diagnosed with a rare syndrome, Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba, with underlying PTen deletion that causes intestinal polyps and low muscle tone, among other health issues. Millie continuously returns to Stead Family Children's Hospital for monitoring and care.
