Alabama Boy Makes New Record as World's Most Premature Baby to Survive, Mom Says He's 'Very Active'

Curtis Zy-Keith Means was born at 21 weeks at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital when his mother, Michelle “Chelly” Butler, underwent emergency surgery to deliver, according to Guinness.

When Butler gave birth to her son on July 5, 2020, Curtis weighed just 14.8 oz, or 420 grams. Curtis' due date was originally set to Nov. 11 of that year, making him nearly 19 weeks early.

Now, the 16-month-old is healthy and happy. After his birth, Curtis underwent treatment, responded"extraordinarily well," per Guinness, and made an “exceptional” recovery.

Curtis' remarkable progress was bittersweet for Butler, who delivered twins — both Curtis and his sister, C’Asya — July 5. C’Asya was born less developed than her brother, and died one day after she was born, according to Guinness.

Neonatologist Dr. Brian Sims helped treat Curtis and was on duty when Butler delivered the twins. He told Guinness, “The numbers say that babies at this age will not survive. Mom’s question to me was: ‘Can we give my babies a chance?’ "

Guinness World Records

Shortly after Curtis was born, “He showed initially that he responded to oxygen, his heart rate went up, his numbers went up, " Dr. Sims said. “He was giving us a lot of positive feedback that… he wanted to survive.”

In his two-decade career, the doctor said he’s never seen anything like Curtis' case.

Butler told Guinness her little boy is “very active,” adding, “I’m tired already!”

“I’m very proud of him because where he came from and where he at now, I can tell the difference,” she said.

source: people.com