He wasn’t expected to survive. Born just halfway through his mother’s pregnancy, weighing barely more than a can of soda, little Nash Keen entered the world in the most dramatic of circumstances. And now, just over a year later, the Iowa infant known affectionately as “Nash Potato” has defied every medical expectation — and earned his place in history.
On July 5, 2024, Nash was born at only 21 weeks of gestation — 133 days early — making him the most premature baby ever to survive, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. At just 10 ounces (283 grams), his entire body could fit in the palm of a hand. Doctors gave him almost no chance of survival. Yet today, he is a thriving, happy one-year-old, full of smiles and strength.
His journey, however, was anything but easy.
Nash’s mother, Mollie Keen, discovered something was wrong at her 20-week prenatal checkup. She was already 2 centimeters dilated, an alarming sign so early in pregnancy. Just days later, she went into labor — far too soon.
The birth was a whirlwind. “It was terrifying,” Mollie recalled in an interview with the Associated Press. “We knew the odds were stacked against us. But we also knew we had to try everything we could.”
Doctors at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital acted fast, preparing for what would be one of the most delicate and high-risk deliveries in medical history. Neonatologist Dr. Malinda Schaefer, who oversaw the delivery, made sure Nash’s parents understood the seriousness of the situation.
“It’s really important to have honest, transparent conversations,” Schaefer said. “At 21 weeks, there are so many unknowns. We had to talk about the potential for severe complications — developmental delays, lung issues, brain bleeds, and more. But the Keens were determined. They wanted to fight for their baby.”
And so began a grueling, six-month stay in the NICU — longer than Nash had even spent in his mother’s womb.
For months, Nash lived in a heated incubator, surrounded by monitors and machines, tubes and wires keeping him alive. He needed oxygen to breathe, round-the-clock care, and a feeding tube for nutrition. But through it all, the little boy kept fighting.
“Nash is so full of personality,” Mollie said, smiling through tears. “You’d expect him to be fragile, but he’s not. He’s so determined, so curious. Always smiling. He has this strength I can’t explain.”
Despite his rocky start, Nash has made remarkable progress. He still uses oxygen and a feeding tube, but doctors are optimistic. He’s meeting many of the milestones expected of children his age — sitting up, crawling, and even learning to stand. “He’s got so much strength in those legs,” Mollie said proudly. “He’s learning to stand on his own two feet, and that’s just incredible.”
His parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, are deeply grateful for the doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to save their son’s life. “The NICU team was unbelievable,” Randall said. “Their calmness helped us get through. We’d watch their faces — if they weren’t panicking, we knew we didn’t have to panic.”
The hospital staff quickly became like extended family. “They were there for all the firsts — the first time he opened his eyes, the first time we held him,” Mollie said. “We couldn’t have made it through without them.”
Nash’s story is particularly poignant for the Keen family. Before Nash, they suffered a devastating miscarriage. The loss was painful and left them feeling unsure about trying again. Nash’s survival — against all odds — has helped heal those wounds and given them a renewed sense of hope.
Now, one year after his miraculous birth, Nash celebrated his first birthday not just with balloons and cake, but with a world record. His photo — wearing a tiny birthday hat and surrounded by his loving family — has captured hearts across the globe.
The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized Nash as the most premature surviving baby, surpassing the previous record holder by a single day. It’s a testament not only to the advancements in neonatal medicine but to the power of perseverance, love, and the human spirit.
As Nash continues to grow, his parents hope that his story will bring awareness to the challenges of extreme prematurity — and to the possibilities that exist when hope and science come together.
“He’s our miracle,” Mollie said simply. “He reminds us every single day that life is precious. That the impossible can happen.”
Nash may have arrived into this world far too early — but he’s proving, every day, that he was right on time.