Meet Tessa, a courageous little girl who has defied societal norms and inspired others to appreciate the diverse beauty that exists in each and every one of us. Born without a nose due to a rare condition called complete congenital arhinia, Tessa has faced unique challenges since her birth, but her unwavering spirit and infectious joy have made her a shining example of resilience.
Complete congenital arhinia is an extremely rare condition that affects only 100 people worldwide. It occurs when the nose fails to develop in the womb, resulting in the absence of both the external and internal structures of the nose. In Tessa’s case, this condition means that she is unable to smell. Her parents, Grainne and Nathan Evans, discovered Tessa’s facial deformity during an ultrasound when she was just five months into the pregnancy.
Although the news was initially shocking, the Evans family, hailing from County Derry, Northern Ireland, was determined to provide Tessa with the best possible care and support. Shortly after birth, Tessa underwent a tracheotomy to help her breathe, followed by cataract surgery at just eleven months old. Two years later, Tessa underwent cosmetic surgery to lay the foundation for constructing an artificial nose in the future. The operation involved bone and skin grafts and aimed to gradually enhance her appearance over time. The ultimate goal is for doctors to use a 3D printer to construct a nose for Tessa.
Living without a nose has required Tessa to adapt by breathing through her mouth and navigating a world without the sense of smell. Despite these challenges, her unwavering determination and boundless enthusiasm for life have surpassed all expectations. As her mother Grainne shared in a recent YouTube interview, “Tessa has proved everybody wrong. She exceeded everybody’s expectations.”
Unfortunately, Tessa has encountered unkindness from others who struggle to understand that people may look different from one another. Some cruel individuals have even given her the nickname ‘Voldemort,’ after the bald and noseless antagonist in the Harry Potter series. But Tessa, a huge Harry Potter fan herself, has taken it all in stride, even dressing up as the Dark Lord for Halloween.
Beyond defying expectations, Tessa possesses a remarkable ability to light up any room she enters. “She walks into any room, and she can lift the room’s mood and make everyone happy,” added Nathan, Tessa’s father.
Tessa’s story has captured global attention, serving as a fountain of inspiration for countless individuals facing their own challenges. Her strength and resilience remind us that true beauty is not defined by physical appearance. In a world often plagued by negativity and hatred, Tessa’s journey demonstrates that we can always overcome adversity. Being a kind and compassionate human being holds far greater value than anything external.
What are your thoughts on Tessa’s incredible story? Let us know in the comments!
