In a heartwarming celebration of resilience, a baby boy from Ankeny, Iowa, has defied incredible odds to reach his first birthday after being born extremely early.
According to Breitbart, Nash Keen, recognized as the world’s most premature baby by Guinness World Records, celebrated turning one year old after being born at just 21 weeks of gestation on July 5, 2024, a staggering 133 days before his due date.
Nash’s journey began on July 5, 2024, when he entered the world at a mere 10 ounces, far smaller than most newborns. His birth at 21 weeks of gestation was extraordinarily early, considering a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Doctors immediately rushed Nash to the neonatal intensive care unit, where he would spend the first months of his fragile life.
Medical staff at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital observed Nash’s remarkable strength from the start. Despite the challenges of such a premature birth, the tiny infant showed an inspiring will to survive. His determination paid off, as he steadily grew stronger under the careful watch of dedicated healthcare professionals.
After months of intensive care, Nash reached a major milestone when he was finally cleared to go home in January 2025. His parents, Randall and Mollie Keen, were overjoyed to bring their son back to their Ankeny home after such a long hospital stay. The moment marked the end of a grueling chapter and the beginning of life as a family outside the hospital walls.
On July 5, 2025, Nash turned one year old, an achievement his family celebrated with immense pride and gratitude. The occasion was especially meaningful given the uncertainty that surrounded his early days. Guinness World Records had officially named Nash the world’s most premature baby, adding an extra layer of significance to his birthday.
The University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital shared touching photos of Nash and his parents on social media on July 23, 2025. The images captured the joy of the family’s journey and quickly garnered attention from people worldwide.
Social media users expressed their admiration, with one commenter describing Nash as a “miracle baby” and another sending heartfelt blessings for his future.
Nash’s story also appeared on the Guinness World Records website on July 23, 2025, highlighting his extraordinary survival. For his parents, the past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions as they watched their son fight for every day. Mollie Keen, Nash’s mother, shared her deep feelings about the milestone they recently celebrated.
“It feels surreal, honestly,” Mollie said. “A year ago, we weren’t sure what the future would look like, and now we’ve celebrated his first birthday.” “It’s emotional in so many ways: pride, gratitude, even some grief for how different his journey has been. But above all, it feels like a victory.”
Randall Keen, Nash’s father, also expressed his appreciation for the medical team that supported their son. “They kept his heart going,” Randall said. “They really gave him a fighting chance.”
Mollie also reflected on the overwhelming support their family received throughout Nash’s journey. “Nash isn’t just a record breaker — he’s a heart-stealer,” she said. “From the very beginning, our family and friends rallied behind him, and as his story spread, so did the love.”
Nash’s survival stands as a testament to the advances in neonatal care and the dedication of medical professionals. His story has touched countless lives, reminding many of the fragility and strength of human life. From a 10-ounce newborn to a thriving one-year-old, Nash has shown what determination looks like.
As Nash continues to grow, his family remains hopeful for the years ahead. Their journey, though challenging, has been filled with moments of joy and triumph. For now, they cherish every day with their son, knowing each milestone is a reason to celebrate.