Kid Captain 

Kid Captain Program

When children are faced with a challenging medical situation, they are often a source of inspiration to those around them - their families, their friends, our hospital staff and others. We want to help share that inspiration by recognizing these children through our "Kid Captain of the Game" program, in partnership with Iowa State Athletics.

During the Iowa State football season, Blank Children's Hospital partners with the Cyclones to feature stories of courage and strength. The Kid Captains will take the field at Jack Trice Stadium for home games and assist with the coin toss.

Nomination Rules

• There is no cost to enter.
• Only parents or legal guardians may submit a child's story.
• Children must be current or former patients of Blank Children's Hospital (inpatient or outpatient care).
• Eligible children are ages 4-17 years.
• Children previously selected as Kid Captains are not eligible to enter the program again.
• Your entry does not guarantee that your child will be selected as a Kid Captain.
• Children selected must be able to attend one of the home ISU football games.
• The deadline for nomination submission is June 30, 2026.

Children/families selected will need to:

• Have a parent/guardian sign a release form allowing their child to be photographed and interviewed for promotional purposes.
• Be interviewed by hospital staff and photographed by hospital staff as well as Cyclone staff.
• Join the team captains before the game.
• Have transportation to Ames for the game.

Celebrating 15 Years of Kid Captain Cheers

For 15 years, Blank Children’s Hospital and Iowa State Athletics have given kids a moment in the spotlight through the Kid Captain program.

The Kid Captain program started with support from fans who cheered on James Pollard, son of former Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard. His medical journey was shared with the community as he took part in a coin toss during an October game. The following year, Kid Captain was formed.

A Moment Jordan Will Never Forget

Jordan Ridnour was one of the first Kid Captains to take the field 15 years ago. At the time, she was in the middle of cancer treatment. The experience was hard, but the chance to represent the Cyclones gave her something to look forward to.

“We were all so excited,” Jordan said. She couldn’t wait to tell everyone at school, and her 6-year-old brother was just as eager to share the news with his friends.

On game day, Jordan remembers looking up at the Iowa State football players and thinking, “Wow, these guys are really tall!” More than anything, she remembers the kindness. The players, sideline crew, cheer team and fans made Jordan and her family feel seen, supported and celebrated.

That kind of support matters for families. “When you have support from your community and everyone is cheering, you feel like people care about you,” Jordan said. “I know I received a ton of love, but seeing my parents and brother receive support was also heartwarming.”

Giving Families a Reason to Celebrate

Support is at the heart of Kid Captain. Each family who takes the field brings a story of strength and courage, along with the weight of appointments, treatments, decisions and worry. For 15 years, Kid Captain has given families a meaningful opportunity to pause, celebrate and feel the support of thousands of people cheering them on.

As central Iowa’s children’s hospital, Blank Children’s has been at the center of those stories — caring for thousands of children through some of life’s most challenging moments.

For Jordan, she’s still cheering on the Cyclones, and her childhood cancer journey has shaped her future. She was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare as a social worker, hoping to support others facing life-changing circumstances.