(Le Mars) — A Remsen youth has been selected to be a kid captain for the Iowa
Hawkeyes football program. 15 year old Seth Nelson learned of the honor earlier
this week. Kid captains are youth who have been recently treated for medical
issues at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and Clinics. Seth’s mother,
Ann Cole-Nelson is employed at the Floyd Valley Healthcare. She says a football
injury sustained during a youth football game led to the discovery of his illness.
Cole-Nelson explains the malady.
(photos contributed)
Cole-Nelson says her son, Seth, was checked out by Floyd Valley healthcare
professionals, but soon realized the ailment was beyond their capabilities, so they
referred him to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. Cole-Nelson says she
knew it was serious when the specialists at Iowa City responded so quickly.
Cole-Nelson says surgery was performed in July of 2014. The Floyd Valley
Healthcare official says every year the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
seeks nominations from parents with children that had received treatment from the
University hospitals to be selected as a “Kids Captain” for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Cole-Nelson says her normally quiet son is excited for the opportunity, and has
been talking to everyone about the honor, as well as educating others about his
ailment.
Cole-Nelson says the football injury turned out to be a blessing in disguise for
her son.
Doctors tell Cole-Nelson that the ailment affecting Seth Nelson is found in one of
every 1800 people, but many people don’t realize they have a problem.
Cole-Nelson says doctors say that her son should be able to live a normal life,
without the need to seek additional treatment or surgeries. However, they also say
“never say never”. The 15 year old can participate in some sports such as baseball
and basketball, but as for football and wrestling, those days are over. The mother
of the Remsen boy explains his duties as a “Kid Captain” during the Iowa Hawkeye
versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers football game.
The University of Iowa created a video of Seth’s story which will be aired on the large Jumbo Tron Television screen during the game.
