Ankeny Boy Born at 21 Weeks is World's Most Premature Baby

An Ankeny infant born at just 21 weeks has just turned one, and KCCI caught up with the family in lieu of both their child's birthday and the milestone he was awarded before even uttering his first word.

It's common knowledge that babies born premature can have a barrage of health complications, one of which being severely underweight. The family of Nash Keen in Ankeny, IA learned that when their child was born on July 5th, 2024 at only 10 ounces. Now, Nash is one-year-old, and it's a milestone KCCI described as "exciting and emotional" for the family.

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This week, Nash and his family were awarded a Guinness World Record. Nash was born so premature that he was the first to do it at his age and live. He was born at 21 weeks exactly. The previous Guinness World Record for the feat was 21 weeks and two days.

Nash was born at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital and was immediately admitted into the NICU. This is another reason I'm proud that Y105 is partnered with the children's hospital, for this is the place where miracles happen on a daily basis. That is no exaggeration:

This NICU is not just a jewel in the crown of the children's hospital, it's a national treasure. If you were born at 21 plus zero weeks anywhere in the world, this is the best place - Dr. Patrick McNamara, Neonatology Division Director at Stead Family Children's Hospital, per KCCI

Dr. McNamara didn't mince words with Mollie and Randall Keen, Nash's parents. The outlook appeared to be grim, but Nash proved to be resilience. No baby ever born that prematurely lived. Dr. McNamara told the family the chances of survival are zero, but forfeiting effort and treatment due to odds is not what the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital does.

Mollie Keen told KCCI that the "little victories" were amazing. Nash started gaining a little bit of weight. He was eventually able to wear clothes. However, it was the first time mom and dad got to hold their child that felt like the biggest victory.

Nash spent seven months in the NICU and underwent four surgeries. Finally, he was able to go home. He relies on oxygen 24/7 and takes daily medication. He's a miracle baby in every sense of the term.

Randall Keen had a quote only a dad could have: