Lily Lee Named Iowa Kid Captain
The twelve-year-old student will be honored during the upcoming football game between Iowa and Michigan.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Special Needs
The University of Iowa has named seventh grader Lily Lee as the Kid Captain for this Saturday's football game. Lee, who was the first patient at Stead Family Children's Hospital to receive FDA-approved treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, will be recognized at the event.
Why it matters
Highlighting patients like Lee serves to bring awareness to spinal muscular atrophy, a condition requiring ongoing specialized medical care. Her selection underscores the partnership between the hospital and the university athletic program in celebrating patient journeys.
Lily Lee, age 12, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 20 months old. She travels three hours from her home to receive recurring spinal injections at the hospital.
The players
Lily Lee
She is a twelve-year-old seventh grader and the designated Kid Captain for the Iowa football program.
Stead Family Children's Hospital
This is a specialized pediatric medical center located in Iowa City that provides advanced care for children across the region.
The details
Lee is a seventh grader who uses a wheelchair and maintains a rigorous treatment schedule to manage her condition. She travels three hours to Iowa City to access the care she needs at the university's hospital.
Timeline
Lily Lee was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 20 months old.
Iowa plays Michigan on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Culture Shift
This selection follows the established tradition of the Stead Family Children's Hospital Kid Captain program to honor pediatric patients during university athletic events. It reflects a growing trend in collegiate sports to use large platforms to spotlight individual health journeys and raise public awareness for rare conditions.
Residents attending the Saturday game can expect to see Lee honored during the event. Those interested in the program may look for future patient recognition announcements as the season continues.
The takeaway
Advocacy and awareness are bolstered when major institutions highlight the experiences of patients managing chronic illnesses. Engaging with these stories helps the community understand the commitment required for long-term medical care.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks and resources on the Special Needs section page.
