On 5/7, baby Nash Keen was specially allowed by doctors to taste his first birthday cake, covered in frosting. He also received dozens of gifts from family and friends, including 70 sets of clothes, toys, and a mountain of diapers.

The party wasn't extravagant, but it held immense joy for a family that had faced the possibility of losing their child just hours after his birth.

"It feels unbelievable. A year ago, we didn't know if we would have the chance to celebrate his first birthday," Mollie said. "But today, we not only have a party, but we also have a miracle."

Nash in his mother's arms shortly after birth. Photo: *guinnessworldrecords*

Nash Keen was born on 5/7/2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics at just 21 weeks gestation, 133 days earlier than a typical full-term pregnancy. He weighed a mere 285 grams and measured only 24 cm long, smaller than a grapefruit.

He is recognized as the world's most premature baby to survive, according to Guinness World Records (GWR).

Doctor Amy Stanford, the neonatologist who resuscitated Nash, called it a breathtaking case. "Delivery at 21 weeks is the borderline between what's possible and what's not," she said. "We monitored him every minute, every hour, because every second could make the difference between life and death."

Patrick McNamara, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, said he told the baby's parents, "The world has never recorded a baby born at 21 weeks surviving. However, we will do everything we can within our capabilities," he said.

While the medical team fought for Nash's life, his parents went through chaotic early days. "Everything was blurry: machines, wires, monitors, and a series of medical terms we had never heard of. But even in the midst of that storm, we still saw a spark of strength in our son," Mollie recounted.

Three weeks after his birth, Mollie held Nash for the first time. "He was so small that I could barely feel his warmth on my chest," she recalled. "I was very worried, but at that moment, all my fears vanished. There was only love, connection, and hope."

The first six months of Nash's life were spent in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), one of the most advanced in the United States.

He underwent dozens of specialized treatments, was on continuous ventilation, and was fed through a feeding tube. In early 1/2025, Nash was finally able to go home, a significant milestone celebrated by both the family and the hospital.

"I never thought I would be able to drive my son home. But that day came, and we cried with happiness," Randall, Nash's father, emotionally recalled.

Now, Nash can smile, listen to conversations, and react to toys and daily therapy sessions. Although he still requires oxygen, a feeding tube, and hearing aids due to mild hearing loss, doctors say he is recovering well.

Every week, the Keens take their son to a specialized daycare center for continued physical and speech therapy. Doctors at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics continue to monitor his progress through regular checkups.

"Seeing him grow up healthy is the greatest reward for all our efforts," Dr. Stanford shared. "Nash is not just a record-breaker, but also a testament to medical advancements, teamwork, and the power of belief."

Nash celebrates his first birthday. Photo: *guinnessworldrecords*

Over the past year, Nash's story has spread throughout the community and on American social media. Locals call him "Potato," an endearing nickname his parents gave him from day one.

Hundreds of letters, greeting cards, and gifts from both acquaintances and strangers have been sent to the Keen family as a wish for the "miracle baby."

Despite not wanting to be the center of attention, the Keens decided to share their son's journey with the media. "We want to bring hope to other families facing medical challenges. We can't remain silent knowing there are people who need to know that the impossible can still happen," Mollie said.

Nash broke the world record for premature birth, surpassing the previous record by just one day. Previously, Curtis Zy-Keith Means was born 132 days premature in 2020. Earlier, Richard Hutchinson held the record for being born 131 days premature in the same year.

A collective prematurity record was also set in 5/2025 when the Bryant quadruplets were born at 23 weeks, 115 days early, becoming the earliest surviving quadruplets.

For the Keen family, every day with Nash is a milestone. "He's still just a sweet, silly, and strong little boy," Mollie smiled.

"We want the world to see his light, but more than anything, we want him to grow up surrounded by love, joy, and as normal a life as possible."

Nhat Minh (*Guinnessworldrecords/foxnews*)