A Davenport first grader who faced a life-threatening intestinal emergency shortly after birth is being honored as an Iowa Hawkeyes Kid Captain.
JJ Ward was just one day old when he was rushed to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital for emergency surgery. After developing a dark-colored discharge, doctors at the hospital where he was born initially suspected he may have aspirated meconium. An X-ray, however, revealed a large mass in his abdomen.
JJ was diagnosed with meconium ileus, an uncommon intestinal obstruction that occurs when thick meconium blocks the small intestine. Surgeons discovered that part of his intestine had twisted and died and removed about one-third of his small intestine.
The condition can also be an early sign of cystic fibrosis, and testing later confirmed JJ had the hereditary disease.
His recovery included a lengthy hospital stay, a temporary feeding tube, a Broviac line and total parenteral nutrition. He later underwent additional treatment after developing infections and eventually transitioned to a gastrostomy tube before ultimately being able to eat without it.
Now 6 years old, JJ continues to receive care for cystic fibrosis and has participated in clinical studies at the University of Iowa. He takes medication designed to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, along with nebulizer treatments and chest physiotherapy to help keep his airways clear.
Despite the challenges, JJ doesn’t let his condition keep him from being an active kid. The Davenport boy enjoys baseball, soccer, wrestling, boating and fishing. He also loves school, especially art.
“His day may look a little different, but he doesn’t let it stop him from doing the things he likes,” his mother, Tara, said.
JJ’s health care journey has also had an impact on his mother. Inspired by the care her son received, Tara completed nursing school and now works in the surgical specialty unit at the hospital where JJ was born.
The family says the team at Stead Family Children’s Hospital has remained an important part of JJ’s journey.
“They’re just always available and there’s a whole team of people rooting for JJ,” Tara said. “They become family to you.”
Now in its 17th year, the Kid Captain program is a partnership between University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The program recognizes pediatric patients and shares their inspiring health care journeys with Hawkeye fans.
JJ’s story is a reminder of how far cystic fibrosis treatment has come and the difference specialized pediatric care and research can make in the lives of children and their families.
Source: University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital — Kid Captain profile on JJ Ward.
Photo/source: University of Iowa Health Care, uichildrens.org/kid-captain
