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Will Ryan and Zach Twedt

Will Ryan (Track & Cross Country) and Zach Twedt (Football) are proud student-athletes at the University of Iowa and both former patients of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Though they come from different teams, they share a common belief: the strength of the Hawkeye community lies in how we support one another.

Hawks Supporting Hawks is a movement that all of us Hawkeye student-athletes, staff, healthcare personnel, patients, and families are part of—coming together to show that no one in our community is ever alone. Each yellow wristband is a symbol of unity, reminding us that every cheer, wave, and act of kindness matters beyond game day.

Will Ryan's Testimony

My name is Will Ryan, a University of Iowa track and cross-country athlete and former patient at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The care, encouragement, and strength I experienced there shaped who I am today. By joining as an ambassador, you help spread that message of hope and connection, showing what it truly means to be a Hawkeye: to lift one another up, on and off the field.

Will RyanIowa Track & Field/Cross Country student-athlete

By the Numbers: Hawkeyes Giving Back

Data provided by Helper Helper, highlighting the community engagement and service milestones of Hawkeye student-athletes.

---Total Engagement

68,513 hours logged by student-athletes since 2016, demonstrating the collective impact Hawkeyes have made through service projects, hospital visits, youth clinics, and community partnerships.

---Participation

2,817 student-athletes have engaged in Helper Helper - tracked activities, contributing to service events, outreach programs, and Hawkeye Life initiatives that strengthen our campus and community.

---Key Takeaway

The University of Iowa’s long-standing partnership with Helper Helper shows what’s possible when data, community, and purpose come together. Through intentional programming, meaningful partnerships, and consistent tracking, Iowa continues to set the standard for holistic student-athlete development.

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Zach Twedt's Testimony

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It's been an incredible honor to meet some of the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital's bravest young heroes. These children embody strength, resilience, and courage unlike anything I've ever witnessed. I am truly grateful to be part of such a extra ordinary and supportive community with the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

Zach TwedtFormer Iowa Football Student-Athlete
Duke Faley

“When I visit the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, I leave with a newfound appreciation for the opportunities I have as a student-athlete. Seeing how brave the kids are amidst their battles is such a privilege. I hope to be as fearless a competitor as they are.”

Stead Family Children's Hospital Volunteer
Stead Family Children's Hospital VolunteerMen’s Track & Field
Josie Hood

"I don’t have one specific moment that stands out, but seeing the joy and laughter on the kids’ faces is something I’ll never take for granted. Being able to bring even a little light to their day during a difficult time is what makes volunteering at the Children’s Hospital so meaningful to me."

Stead Family Children's Hospital Volunteer
Stead Family Children's Hospital VolunteerWomen's Swim and Dive
Brolan Frost

“I volunteered for the Dance marathon this past weekend and it was truly an inspiring event. What DM is doing is amazing for these kids and their families. For me I took away that such little acts can make a huge impact on these kids’ lives. Something like walking them down a runway and striking a pose with them can be a core memory. Those kids are stronger and go through more than most ever will. Giving them a day to have fun and be a kid is such a small act but means so much to them. I will for sure be volunteering for DM again, and hope others do the same.”

A baseball player in a white uniform with "HAWKEYES" and the number 17 shakes hands with a teammate on the field.
Stead Family Children's Hospital VolunteerBaseball
Cassie Lee

"I have loved volunteering at Stead Family Children’s Hospital! Whether I’m spending time talking and hanging out with the teens or getting to read with the younger kids, every visit is something I look forward to. Volunteering has given me a deeper appreciation for the Iowa community and the opportunity I have as a student-athlete to give back. Being able to bring a little joy and connection to someone’s day has made this experience so meaningful to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of these kids and their families!"

Border Battle Gymnastics Meet
Stead Family Children's Hospital VolunteerWomen's Gymnastics
Adriana Palumbo

“Volunteering and working at the Stead Family Children's Hospital has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The patients here have so much wisdom to share and I take full advantage of soaking it all in every time I come. Giving back to the community through the hospital has encouraged me to start seeing my life through a lens of intense gratitude and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.“

A young athlete in a black wrestling singlet with a yellow hawk logo and pink wrestling shoes stands confidently with hands on hips against a plain white background.
Stead Family Children's Hospital VolunteerWomen's Wrestler