2024 Kid Captain: Hunter Mickelson

Hunter Mickelson’s parents knew their infant son wasn’t thriving, but local doctors could not provide any answers. Finally, after being discharged following a two-week hospital stay when Hunter was 6 months old, they went to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where they were not only seen by a geneticist, but Hunter was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
He was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a genetic kidney condition estimated to occur in just 1 in 2.3 million people that can lead to severe dehydration if left untreated. Hunter received a blood transfusion, a central line to his heart and a gastrostomy tube for nutrition. While there is no cure, he is able to control the condition through large intakes of water, even during the night, and twice-daily medication.
Hunter can participate in sports and other activities as long as he stays hydrated, and regularly returns to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital for checkups. Hunter’s Story: uihc.org/child...
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