There’s a lot of joy to be found during recess at North Ridge Elementary and Callie Newbury is enjoying every second of it.
“I’m just focused on being a second grader because I like the school,” says Newbury. “I have lots of friends and I like my teacher.”
Callie’s teacher Mrs. Reed helped share some important news with the class this week.
“Callie is one of seven kids this year in the state of Iowa who gets to be a Kid Captain of the Iowa State game,” shared Mrs. Reed.
Here’s the thing about Callie: She’s a thriving second grader in 2024, but that hasn’t always been the case.
“When I was little, I had a paralyzed vocal cord and I still do have one now,” says Callie.
Callie was born at 26 weeks and spent her first 107 days in the NICU at Blank Children’s Hospital. From day one, Callie’s “I can do everything” attitude was on display. A heart surgery was successful and so was brain surgery.
Her story of perseverance will be on display at Jack Trice Stadium this weekend, a deserving honor for an incredible kid.
“W are going to go tailgate and then I’m going to go on the field,” she shares.
Callie’s about to go through an incredible experience with the Cyclones, but she knows the story doesn’t stop there.
“All the parents out there are probably going to be like, well her story is so cool maybe we have a chance for our little girl to live,” says Newbury.