Iowa Family Celebrates Remarkable Milestone for Their Premature Baby
An Iowa family has joyfully marked a significant milestone for their extraordinary son, Nash Keen, who was born on July 5, 2024, a remarkable 133 days premature at just 21 weeks gestation. Recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most premature baby to survive, Nash’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Overcoming the Odds: Nash’s First Birthday
Affectionately called "Nash Potato," he recently celebrated his first birthday, defying all expectations. At birth, Nash weighed only 285 grams (10 ounces) — lighter than a grapefruit — and measured just 24 centimeters long, according to a press release from the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
A Journey Marked by Loss and Hope
Nash’s parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, faced heartbreak prior to his birth, having lost their baby girl, McKinley, at 18 weeks gestation. Mollie was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix, a condition that can lead to premature birth. Additionally, she battles polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that complicates fertility.
Six months after their loss, the couple discovered they were expecting Nash. However, during a routine 20-week scan, concerns led them to a closer examination, revealing Mollie was already 2 centimeters dilated. Shortly after, she began experiencing contractions and was placed on bed rest.
A Life-Saving Medical Team
Mollie expressed her fears, saying, "We were devastated. We thought we were going through the exact same thing — we thought we were going to lose this baby." Thanks to the dedicated medical team at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Nash’s birth was delayed until just 10 hours after he reached the critical 21-week mark.
Dr. Malinda Schaefer, the high-risk obstetrician who delivered Nash, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding extremely premature births, stating, "It’s important for parents to understand that most survival rates are low, and if babies do survive, they face a high risk of long-term complications."
A Remarkable Survival Story
Nash’s care team quickly administered medication to support his organ development and reduce complications. Neonatologist Dr. Amy Stanford noted that babies born at 21 weeks often face challenges such as being too small for medical equipment. Fortunately, the team successfully placed a breathing tube, stabilizing Nash’s heart rate and oxygen levels.
Before Nash, the record for the most premature baby to survive was held by Curtis Zy-Keith Means, born on July 5, 2020. Nash Keen, however, achieved a new milestone, born at exactly 21 weeks, 0 days gestation.
Hope and Progress After NICU
After 198 days in the hospital, during which he received ongoing care and underwent surgery for a perforated bowel, Nash was finally released from the NICU in January 2025. His parents were grateful for the team’s unwavering support throughout the journey. "They really gave him a fighting chance," Randall Keen emphasized.
Nash continues to be monitored for health issues, including a minor heart defect, and is currently being weaned off oxygen. While he relies on a feeding tube and wears hearing aids, he is making progress with ongoing therapy. Mollie hopes Nash will grow up healthy, happy, and confident, viewing his story as a source of strength.
Dr. Stanford expressed her aspirations for Nash, stating, "By the time he’s 5 years old and goes to kindergarten, I hope no one will know he was born so early."
A Message of Love and Support
Mollie Keen wants her son to know how loved he is, saying, "So many people have cheered him on from the very beginning." Nash’s incredible journey reflects the advancements made in neonatal care and the resilience of the human spirit.
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