July 26th 2025.
On a special day, Nash Keen turned one year old, surrounded by his parents, Randall and Mollie Keen. Looking at the pictures of his first birthday party, it's hard to believe that just a year ago he was a tiny baby, weighing less than a grapefruit and measuring only 24cm long. He came into this world 133 days before his expected due date, and it was a race against time to save his life. As soon as he was born, he was rushed to the NICU ward at the University of Iowa Health Care hospital, where he received specialized care from neonatologist Dr. Amy Stanford.
Dr. Stanford has seen many premature babies in her career, but Nash's case was unique. His extremely early arrival posed a challenge, but he showed remarkable resilience. Despite the uncertain future, his parents never lost hope and prayed for his recovery. After the first few delicate weeks, Nash began to make steady progress, which was truly extraordinary. Dr. Stanford and her team were amazed at his determination to survive and thrive.
Fast forward one year, and Nash has defied all odds by reaching this incredible milestone. His parents couldn't be prouder and celebrated with 70 new outfits and educational toys. But the most special gift came from Guinness World Records, as Nash was officially recognized as the world's most premature baby. It was a surreal feeling for Mollie, who shared that a year ago, they couldn't have imagined celebrating their son's first birthday.
Nash's birthday cake had extra whipped cream, as doctors made sure to give him special dispensation for the occasion. He still attends specialized medical daycare, but his progress has impressed his doctors. Looking at the pictures of Nash at two months old, it's hard to believe that he was in the hospital for another four months before he was allowed to go home. A full-term pregnancy lasts 37 weeks, and according to the NHS, babies can typically survive if born from 24 weeks onwards. However, premature babies require intensive care and specialized treatment to survive and overcome potential health and development issues.
The NICU at the University of Iowa Health Care is considered among the best in the US and the world, and Nash received excellent care there. But even with the best care, it was a long and challenging journey for his parents. Mollie had to wait for three weeks before she could hold her baby skin-to-skin, a moment she describes as surreal. Nash was so tiny and covered in wires and monitors, but the moment he was placed on her chest, all her worries disappeared.
It took six months before Nash, lovingly nicknamed "Nash Potato" by his parents, could go home for the first time. He still requires oxygen, a feeding tube, and hearing aids, but he has made incredible progress. His parents and medical team are proud of how far he has come, and Dr. Stanford sees him as a symbol of hope and strength. She believes that Nash's story will pave the way for the care of other premature babies in the future. He is truly a miracle baby, and his journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and modern medicine.
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