I have 2 friends who had very prem babies, twins born at 25wks (both under 2lb but one very sadly didn't make it) and another quite recently, both made incredible progress. The one of twins is 11 now and doing perfectly fine, the other is 5 months and he did have a few minor set backs when he developed an infection but staff were on it quickly and he's doing beautifully.
It can seem like a really long road ahead but with technology these days and such awesome nurses and doctors babies born early have a really good chance of survival. All the best to your friend, sounds like her little one is strong x