Marion Teen to Serve as Kid Captain October 31

Charley Rasmussen will be honored during the upcoming Iowa homecoming football game.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Allergies

Screen-print poster illustration of a golden pom-pom on a wooden bench, evoking community pride for the Iowa homecoming game. — Fourteen-year-old Charley Rasmussen of Marion will be honored as the Kid Captain at the Iowa homecoming football game on October 31. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Fourteen-year-old Charley Rasmussen, a resident of Marion, Iowa, will serve as the Kid Captain for the Iowa homecoming game on October 31, 2026. The program recognizes pediatric patients who have shown resilience throughout their medical journeys.

Why it matters

The Kid Captain program, now in its 17th year, highlights the inspirational stories of children treated at Stead Family Childrens Hospital. It serves as a partnership to honor patients who have overcome significant health challenges.

Addison's disease affects 1 to 4 per 1 million children, compared to a general population prevalence of 100 to 140 per 1 million people. The patient manages this condition through a regimen of daily steroids.

The players

Charley Rasmussen

The 14-year-old resident of Marion, Iowa, is a pediatric patient who will represent the hospital as Kid Captain.

Stead Family Childrens Hospital

This Iowa City facility partners with the university athletics department to facilitate the Kid Captain program.

The details

Charley Rasmussen was referred to Stead Family Childrens Hospital in 2017 after experiencing significant health issues, including losing 20 pounds in a single month. Doctors eventually diagnosed the teen with Addison's disease, a rare condition that requires ongoing medical management.

Charley Rasmussen was referred to the hospital in 2017.
The Kid Captain appearance is scheduled for October 31, 2026.

Health Landscape

This event is part of the long-standing Kid Captain program, which elevates the profiles of pediatric patients within the broader healthcare system. It marks another year of the initiative, extending the institution's tradition of celebrating pediatric health journeys.

The story underscores the necessity of managing rare endocrine disorders through consistent daily medication and expert pediatric care. Families dealing with similar diagnoses can access support resources through the Stead Family Childrens Hospital networks.

The takeaway

Charley Rasmussen's story emphasizes the critical importance of early diagnosis and persistent medical adherence for managing rare diseases. Living with a chronic condition like Addison's requires ongoing medical oversight and dedicated support systems for pediatric patients.