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Nash Keen, born 133 days premature, has defied all odds to celebrate his first birthday, making him the world's most premature baby to survive. Born on July 5, 2024, at the University of Iowa Health Care, Nash arrived at just 21 weeks gestation, weighing a mere 285 grams (10 ounces). His birth set a new record, surpassing the previous record held by Curtis Zy-Keith Means, who was born 132 days premature.
Nash's parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, faced an emotional rollercoaster during his early days. Mollie, who was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), had previously lost a baby girl at 18 weeks gestation. When Nash was born, the medical team at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital's NICU provided critical care, including placing a breathing tube to stabilize his heart rate and oxygen levels.
Despite the challenges, Nash showed remarkable resilience. His mother, Mollie, described the experience as surreal, stating, "It’s emotional in so many ways: pride, gratitude, even some grief for how different his journey has been." The Keen family celebrated Nash's birthday in Ankeny, Iowa, surrounded by family and friends.
Dr. Malinda Schaefer, the high-risk obstetrician who delivered Nash, emphasized the importance of patient autonomy and the unpredictable outcomes of extremely premature births. Dr. Amy Stanford, the neonatologist who treated Nash, highlighted his resilience, saying, "He let us do what we needed to do to help him."
After spending 198 days in the NICU, Nash was able to go home in January 2025. His story is one of triumph and hope, showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, miracles can happen.