Parents Share The Challenges Of Raising A Baby With No Nose

Parents are always eager to know that their baby is happy, healthy and dare-I-say ‘normal’. Concerns over the possibly of birth defects are usually quickly eradicated, when their perfect little boy or girl arrives. However, in this case there was clearly something unusual about baby Eli.

Most parents would say that their child is a one in a million. Technically, Eli is a one in 10 billion. Born with an extremely rare condition called Congenital Arhinia, he has no nose. His parents, Brandi and Troy Thompson, had no idea anything was wrong until after he was born. Only 30 cases of Congenital Arhinia have ever been reported and it’s a difficult condition to live with – especially for a newborn.

A tracheotomy was performed on Eli to help with his breathing, but he has unusual characteristics – like crying silently. This is one of the reasons that he has to be monitored 24 hours a day. But his loving parents wouldn’t have it any other way, and say that his lack of a nose is what makes him him.

In spite of his problems, Eli is fairly happy and healthy and has the unconditional love of his family. This baby however, was abandoned but found by a rather unlikely hero.