Though born at a gestational age of only 21 weeks, Nash survived against all odds. Even with the odds clearly stacked against him, he has recently celebrated his first birthday. Nash Keen, born on July 5, 2024, at only 10 ounces—that’s the size of a bar of soap. His arrival came on the heels of a complicated, scary pregnancy for his parents, Mollie and Randall Keen, leaving it one of many deeply emotional moments for the family.
Nash had other plans and shocked the world by arriving a record-breaking 133 days premature. This shock ignited the very first fear of his early survival. Mollie Keen’s voice trembles as she describes what she feared for in those first hours.
“We weren’t sure if he’d even survive those first critical hours. But we wanted to give him the best chance.” – Mollie Keen
After his birth, Nash spent the next six months in the NICU. There, he was able to get specialized care and 24/7 monitoring. We follow critical care neonatologist Amy Stanford, who was responsible for orchestrating Nash’s treatment as he battled for his life.
While in the NICU, a medical team constantly observed Nash’s condition and was able to treat and support him immediately as his needs changed. Despite these difficulties, doctors were always hopeful that this small heart defect would heal itself as he matured. Nash, who is just over a year old now, still requires supplemental oxygen to breathe on his own. He gets his nutrition through a feeding tube exclusively.
In January, with a spirit that belied her ordeal, Nash finally went home to Ankeny, Iowa. His parents quickly welcomed their son with open arms, happily greeting him outside of the hospital setting. It has been an emotionally draining but fulfilling pilgrimage for Mollie & Randall Keen.
Reflecting on Nash’s evolution, Randall Keen, the proud pops of Thomas and Evan, marveled at how his son just blossoms with praise.
“Whenever you call him ‘Nash potato’, or you cheer him on when he’s trying to pull himself up … he just hams it up.” – Randall Keen
Nash’s extraordinary birth was just the beginning of his path to becoming recognized by the Guinness World Records. He was honoured as the world’s most micro-preemie. His story is an inspiration to other families with his same struggles, giving hope that they, too, will find their own miracle.
“It makes him want to succeed and do more.” – Randall Keen
In a brief email exchange, Mollie Keen expressed her feelings about Nash’s odyssey up to this point.
As Nash grows and matures, his parents are optimistic about what the future will hold. She hopes that Nash will someday look back on his amazing introduction to the world.
“He’s truly … the best thing that could have happened to us.” – Mollie Keen
As Nash continues to grow and develop, his parents remain hopeful for the future. Randall believes Nash will one day reflect on his remarkable entrance into the world.
“Nash is going to be able to … say, ‘You know what? I came into this world fighting.’” – Randall Keen