In a world filled with stories of remarkable resilience and determination, the extraordinary journey of Tessa Evans, a four-year-old girl from Co Derry, stands out as a testament to the power of the human spirit. Tessa was born with an incredibly rare facial anomaly known as arhinia, a condition where a person is born without a nose. Her story is one of courage, hope, and the unwavering love and support of her family.
Tessa’s arrival into the world was nothing short of miraculous, happening on Valentine’s Day in 2013 at The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Her mother, Grainne, was overjoyed that on the most love-filled day of the year, her baby girl made her grand entrance. Little did they know that Tessa was one of just 47 reported cases of arhinia worldwide, making her one in 500 million.
Tessa’s early days were spent in a neonatal intensive care unit, where her resilience and strength began to shine through. At just eight days old, she underwent groundbreaking surgery to create a second airway through a tracheostomy tube, allowing her to eat and sleep safely. While doctors initially believed she would need to be exclusively tube-fed, Grainne refused to accept this verdict. After eight weeks, Tessa defied the odds once again and began breastfeeding.
When Tessa turned seven months old, her parents, Grainne and Nathan, sought the expertise of a cranio-facial plastic surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to determine the best course of action for their daughter’s future. They decided on a 3D cosmetic nasal implant as the best option for Tessa.
At the age of two, Tessa underwent a two-hour surgery, skillfully performed by surgeon Jonathan Britto. The procedure involved placing a tiny mold under her skin to give her a nasal profile. The surgery was groundbreaking, marking a significant step in Tessa’s journey toward embracing her uniqueness.
Throughout this challenging journey, Tessa and her family received invaluable support from the Sick Children’s Trust, providing accommodation for Nathan at Rainbow House, one of the charity’s “homes from home.” This support eased the emotional burden on the family, allowing them to be as close to Tessa as possible during her medical procedures.
Tessa will require further surgeries as she continues to grow, but her spirit remains unbroken. She serves as an inspiration to all who encounter her, a reminder that true beauty lies not in appearances but in the strength of the human heart.
Grainne reflects on their emotional journey, saying, “It has been an emotional journey, and it isn’t over yet, as we have regular visits to the ENT specialist back in Ireland. But we are just happy to be home again after the second implant, and Tessa is doing so well.” Tessa’s story serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with love, determination, and unwavering support, we can overcome even the most extraordinary challenges life throws our way.
Grainne reflects on their emotional journey, saying, “It has been an emotional journey, and it isn’t over yet, as we have regular visits to the ENT specialist back in Ireland. But we are just happy to be home again after the second implant, and Tessa is doing so well.” Tessa’s story serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with love, determination, and unwavering support, we can overcome even the most extraordinary challenges life throws our way.
