Ever heard a story that completely shifts how you see the world? Tessa’s story does exactly that. Born with a condition so rare it affects only a handful of people across the globe, Tessa lives without a nose—but with more courage and brightness than most of us can imagine. While many see her face and stop in surprise, what really stands out is her spirit.
Video: No Nose Baby Survives
Tessa was born with total congenital arhinia. That’s a mouthful, right? In simpler terms, it means she was born without a nose. No nostrils. No sense of smell. Not even the internal olfactory system that the rest of us rely on for catching scents of flowers or warm cookies. It’s an extremely rare condition and one that introduced major medical and emotional hurdles for Tessa and her family from day one.
But here’s the thing—Tessa didn’t let it stop her.
Grainne and Nathan Evans were thrilled to be expecting a child. But at five months into the pregnancy, they learned something unexpected during an ultrasound: their baby girl would be born without a nose. Imagine that wave of emotion. Fear. Confusion. Hope. They felt it all.
Yet from the moment Tessa arrived, she showed everyone just how powerful a tiny human could be.
Tessa’s first few days of life weren’t easy. Right after birth, she needed a tracheotomy just to breathe. As if that weren’t enough, she had cataract surgery at only 11 months old. Yeah, that young. Most of us wouldn’t remember going under the knife at that age, but Tessa’s journey was already full of obstacles she was quietly conquering.
Later on, her parents opted for a series of surgeries to prepare her face for a future prosthetic nose. It wasn’t about fitting in—it was about giving her options. These procedures required implants under the skin and will eventually involve bone and skin grafts once she’s older.
Video: The Girl Born Without A Nose | BORN DIFFERENT
So how does Tessa manage? She breathes through her mouth, of course. But she’s never once let that get in the way of living fully. She’s missing a sense of smell—yes—but she isn’t missing out on life. Whether it’s laughing with her parents, running around with friends, or just lighting up a room with her smile, Tessa brings warmth and joy wherever she goes.
Her mom says she surprises everyone with how well she’s doing. Her dad? He beams when he talks about how she has this magical way of lifting the mood just by walking into a room.
Let’s be honest—the world can be harsh when it comes to appearances. Too often, we’re told beauty looks a certain way. But Tessa? She tears that idea down and builds something better in its place.
She shows us that beauty has nothing to do with symmetry or perfection. It’s about strength. It’s about lighting up a room with your energy. It’s about being brave when life gives you a challenge no one else around you can understand.
Tessa is a reminder that different doesn’t mean broken—it means brave.
Behind Tessa’s strength is a rock-solid foundation—her parents. Grainne and Nathan aren’t just caregivers. They’re fighters, advocates, and cheerleaders rolled into one. They made the hard calls, they stayed hopeful when things looked grim, and they never let fear take the wheel.
Their love gave Tessa more than medical care—it gave her confidence. A deep, unshakable belief that she’s not just okay—she’s amazing.
Tessa’s story is still unfolding, but it’s already more powerful than most. Her rare condition might’ve set her apart, but it’s her heart, her laughter, and her relentless joy that keep people watching—and cheering.
She’s living proof that the human spirit can thrive against all odds. In a world that often tells us to look a certain way, Tessa reminds us to live a certain way—with strength, with love, and with fearless authenticity.
Let her story sink in. Let it change how you see people. And more importantly, let it change how you see yourself.