Twelve current and former patients of UI Children’s Hospital have been selected as Kid Captains for the 2010 UI Hawkeye football season.

The Kid Captain program is a partnership between UI Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes to honor UI Children’s Hospital patients and celebrate their inspirational stories. More than 100 nominations were submitted.

“This year’s group of nominations told amazing stories of the courage and perseverance of these children and their families. They face severe, life-threatening and life-altering illness with such grace and good humor. Choosing just 12 to be Kid Captains was unbelievably difficult,” said Michael Artman, MD, physician-in-chief at UI Children’s Hospital and professor and head of pediatrics at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.

“Our patients and their families inspire us every day. On behalf of our whole team of pediatric health care providers, I want to thank all the families for sharing their stories and for reminding us what a privilege it is for us to care for these remarkable children and their families,” he added.

A multi-disciplinary committee of clinical care staff, professional staff, and representation from UI Children’s Hospital patient advisory group selected the 2010 Kid Captains.

Children selected as Kid Captains for the home games are:

• Korri Hoeger, 15, Earlville
• Austin Hills, 15, West Branch
• Maleah McCool, 14, Manchester
• Ross Wiltgen, 11, Altoona
• Brock Beinhart, 11, Riverside
• Nathaniel Fisher, 10, Dickens
• Madelyn Strauss, 9, Dubuque

Children selected to be honorary Kid Captains for the away games are:

• Zephan Abel, 6, Fort Madison
• Mason Allen, 5, North English
• Andrew Niles, 3, West Branch
• Taytum Bell, 3, Sigourney
• Lilah Henry, 2, DeWitt

Home game Kid Captains will receive four game tickets, plus parking accommodations, to attend a 2010 Iowa Hawkeye home football game. The Kid Captain will have pre-game field access and photo opportunities and will be an honored guest at midfield before the game.

All Kid Captains, including the honorary away game captains, will have their stories told throughout the football season and will receive a commemorative jersey.

UI Children’s Hospital

Michael Artman, MD

UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Kid Captains: 2009 Hall of Fame