In a celebration of life and resilience, a baby boy from Iowa has defied “phenomenal odds” to celebrate his first birthday, earning a Guinness World Record in the process. Nash Keen, the son of Mollie and Randall Keen, has been officially recognized as the most premature baby to ever survive.
Nash, who his parents affectionately call “Nash Potato,” was born on July 5, 2024, at just 21 weeks and 0 days gestation—a staggering 133 days earlier than his due date. At birth, he weighed a mere 10 ounces (283 grams), roughly the size of a bar of soap.
His parents, who had previously experienced the loss of a baby girl, entered the pregnancy with cautious hope. When Mollie went into labor at just 20 weeks, their fears were realized. However, a dedicated team at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital provided life-saving measures, giving Nash a fighting chance.
“We weren’t sure if he’d even survive those first critical hours,” Mollie told Guinness World Records. “But we wanted to give him the best chance.”
Nash spent the first six months of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), enduring four surgeries and countless medical procedures. Despite the immense challenges, including a minor heart defect and the need for supplemental oxygen, he continued to make steady progress. His remarkable resilience has not only inspired his family but also his medical team.
“Nash is pure joy in a tiny package,” his parents said. “He is determined, curious, and the happiest baby you’ll meet.”
The Keen family, along with a small group of friends and relatives, celebrated Nash’s first birthday in their home city of Ankeny, Iowa. The special occasion included a Guinness World Records certificate and a cake with extra whipped cream, a sweet reward for a child who has already overcome a lifetime’s worth of challenges.
While he still has ongoing medical needs, his progress is a powerful testament to modern medical advancements and the unwavering love of his family. For the Keens, and for the world, Nash’s first birthday is more than a milestone—it is a victory.
