University of Iowa Named JJ Ward Kid Captain
The six-year-old Davenport resident was selected to honor his medical journey at the Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Children’s Health
The University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital has named six-year-old JJ Ward as a Kid Captain. The program recognizes pediatric patients by sharing their personal health care journeys through a partnership with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Why it matters
This program highlights the resilience of young patients facing complex medical conditions while fostering a connection between the children and the community. It serves to raise awareness for pediatric health struggles like cystic fibrosis.
JJ Ward, age 6, had one-third of his small intestine removed during emergency surgery following his birth and subsequent cystic fibrosis diagnosis. This marks the 17th year the hospital has run the Kid Captain initiative.
The players
JJ Ward
He is a six-year-old patient from Davenport who was named a Kid Captain after overcoming significant health challenges.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital
It is a specialized medical facility in Iowa City that provides pediatric care and hosts the Kid Captain program.
Iowa Hawkeyes
They are the collegiate athletic teams of the University of Iowa that partner with the hospital to support pediatric patients.
The details
After birth, Ward required emergency bowel surgery that resulted in the removal of one-third of his small intestine and a confirmation of cystic fibrosis. He continues to participate in clinical studies at the University of Iowa to manage his condition.
Timeline
Friday night marks the Iowa Hawkeyes game in Washington where Ward will be honored.
The Big Picture
This story follows the established pattern of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Kid Captain program by showcasing a new patient representative during the collegiate football season. The program continues to bridge the gap between clinical healthcare experiences and public university sports culture.
Families facing similar pediatric diagnoses may find encouragement in the public visibility of these patient stories. It emphasizes the importance of clinical research participation in managing chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis.
The takeaway
The Kid Captain program demonstrates how shared stories can foster community support for children navigating complex surgeries and chronic illness. Recognizing these individual journeys provides a vital sense of accomplishment for young patients and their families.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives in Children’s Health.
