Addison's Patient to Serve as Kid Captain
A 14-year-old from Marion, Iowa, will represent pediatric patients at the Iowa homecoming game.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Allergies
Marion teen Charley Rasmussen will serve as the Kid Captain for the Iowa homecoming game on October 31, 2026. This selection highlights the 14-year-old’s health journey after being diagnosed with Addison’s disease in 2017.
Why it matters
The Kid Captain program, now in its 17th year, highlights the experiences of pediatric patients managing complex conditions like Addison’s disease. Sharing these stories helps bring visibility to rare endocrine disorders that require lifelong management.
Addison's disease is a rare endocrine condition with a prevalence of 1 to 4 per 1 million children, compared to 100 to 140 per 1 million in the general population. Data on the specific, long-term therapeutic outcomes for children diagnosed at this age remains under clinical study.
The players
Charley Rasmussen
A 14-year-old student from Marion, Iowa, who manages Addison's disease.
Stead Family Children's Hospital
An Iowa City medical center providing specialized pediatric care and endocrinology services.
The details
Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones, requiring patients like Rasmussen to take daily steroids to manage their health. The condition can manifest suddenly, as seen when Rasmussen lost 20 pounds in one month prior to his 2017 referral. The Kid Captain program functions as a partnership between the hospital and the university athletics department to honor these pediatric health journeys.
Timeline
Charley Rasmussen was referred to the hospital in 2017.
The Kid Captain event takes place on October 31, 2026.
Health Landscape
The Kid Captain program operates as an established community initiative, now in its 17th year, designed to highlight the stories of pediatric patients. This initiative sits alongside broader efforts to improve public awareness for rare conditions that require complex, long-term endocrine care.
Understanding the signs of adrenal insufficiency, such as unexplained weight loss, is essential for identifying rare endocrine issues early. If you notice unusual fatigue or sudden weight changes in your child, it is worth discussing these symptoms with your pediatrician.
The takeaway
Addison's disease is a rare but manageable condition that necessitates lifelong adherence to hormone replacement therapy. Families should consult with a pediatric endocrinologist if they have concerns regarding symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.
Further reading
For more information on patient support programs, visit Allergies.
More information
Find out more about the Kid Captain program information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGAN.
