AMES, Iowa —

A Carlisle 9-year-old will take the field with the Iowa State Cyclones this weekend as Blank Children’s Hospital’s Kid Captain. Jackson Snead was selected for the honor, and the hospital shared a video of him preparing for Saturday’s game.

Jackson was born without an esophagus, and his trachea was connected to his stomach — a rare condition affecting fewer than 10 babies each year in the United States. Despite early medical challenges, his family says Jackson thrives, with a love for football and Legos and a talent for making those around him feel included.

He will be recognized during the game as part of the Kid Captain program, which highlights the strength and stories of pediatric patients.

Watch: Waukee boy named Iowa State University Kid Captain

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