Nile Kron is Selected as 2022 ACE Hardware All-Star

Nile Kron, age 4, was chose as the ACE All-Star for 2022. The Ace Hardware Foundation named Nile Kron (age 4) of Iowa City, Iowa as the organization’s ninth Ace Cares for Kids All-Star. The Ace Hardware Foundation, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and Coach Ferentz of the University of Iowa surprised Nile and his family with an event to welcome them into the Ace community. The event took place in Iowa City at the Hansen Football Performance Center. Present at the event were ACE Retailers, Iowa Football, members from the ACE Foundation, and the CMN Team from University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

On October 10, 2017, Nile had his first of many surgeries. This procedure was to fix his cleft lip and palate at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Nile’s next surgery was to separate his spinal cord from his vertebrate. This complex and invasive procedure brought on a long road of recovery for Nile. He went on to have cleft lip and palate surgery plus another surgery to close off his left inner ear canal to prohibit infection, extensive oral surgeries, and a hernia removal surgery. In June of 2020, Nile had two rods placed in his back to fix his congenital scoliosis rods that must be adjusted every three months at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital until Nile is done growing. One of Nile’s most exciting surgeries was the placement of his cochlear implants, tools that will help Nile hear and verbally communicate.

Nile loves being around people and thrives when he is around others thanks to the specialized treatment he received at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. “He lights up any room that he is in and is positive despite the challenges he experiences on a day-to-day basis. Even though Nile is only 4 years old, he is always determined to succeed. He has worn everything from a mouthpiece, to back braces, to foot braces,” said Brittany, Nile’s mom.  “This will be nothing that stops him no matter his size.”

It is an honor to have Nile as the 2022 ACE All Star. He is an exceptional young boy and is always smiling! We have no doubt that Nile will continue to inspire others during his year as the ACE All-Star!