Beau Harvey Will Serve as Kid Captain on September 19
The 15-year-old heart transplant recipient will be honored at the upcoming University of Iowa football game.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Heart Disease
Beau Harvey, a 15-year-old sophomore from Cascade, will serve as a Kid Captain at the University of Iowa football game in Iowa City on September 19, 2026. Harvey will be honored on the field during the first quarter Wave.
Why it matters
Harvey was selected for the role following his recovery from a 14-hour heart transplant surgery to address complications from hypoplastic right heart syndrome and plastic bronchitis. His participation highlights the successful treatment outcomes facilitated by the Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Harvey is one of 12 Kid Captains selected this fall, following his transplant surgery and subsequent four-month hospital stay. He will continue lifelong medication to prevent organ rejection.
The players
Beau Harvey
He is a 15-year-old Cascade High School sophomore and heart transplant recipient serving as a Kid Captain.
Stead Family Children's Hospital
This is the Iowa City medical facility where Harvey received his specialized transplant care.
The details
After being placed on the transplant list in August 2025 and receiving a donor heart in November 2025, Harvey underwent extensive treatment. He eventually returned home in March 2026 and is now expected to lead an active life as a student at Cascade High School.
Timeline
August 2025: Beau Harvey was placed on the heart transplant list.
November 2025: The Harvey family received notification of a donor heart.
March 2026: Beau Harvey returned home from the hospital.
August 2026: Kid Captains toured the football locker rooms and field.
September 19, 2026: Beau Harvey will serve as Kid Captain at the game.
The Big Picture
This story follows the precedent set by the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Kid Captain program in recognizing pediatric resilience.
The story emphasizes the importance of ongoing medical adherence, as Harvey will require lifelong medication to manage his transplant. This recovery demonstrates the potential for active living following major pediatric heart procedures.
The takeaway
Harvey’s story serves as a reminder of the life-changing impact of organ donation and pediatric specialty care. Families facing similar health challenges can look to his successful recovery as a hopeful benchmark for long-term health outcomes.
Further reading
For more on pediatric cardiac care, see the Heart Disease section.
