The human body’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges is truly remarkable. Tessa Evans, born on Valentine’s Day in 2013, exemplifies this resilience. Diagnosed with Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome—a rare genetic condition—Tessa has not only become a symbol of medical advancement but also a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Understanding a Rare Genetic Condition
Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome affects the development of the nose, eyes, and puberty, and can also influence brain structure. With fewer than 100 documented cases worldwide, the condition is exceptionally rare. First identified in Vietnam in 1981, evidence suggests its existence may date back even further. Tessa Evans is one of the few individuals living with this condition, representing a unique story of courage and progress.
A Trailblazing Journey
Tessa’s parents, Grainne and Nathan Evans from Maghera, Northern Ireland, were unprepared for the diagnosis, as no abnormalities were detected during pregnancy. Despite the shock, the couple embraced their daughter’s uniqueness and embarked on a mission to enhance her quality of life through groundbreaking medical treatments.
Groundbreaking Treatments
At just two weeks old, Tessa underwent her first surgery to receive a tracheostomy tube, enabling her to breathe and eat more easily. By the age of two, she made history as the youngest patient to receive a cosmetic nasal implant. Utilizing advanced technologies such as 3D printing and medical tattooing, doctors are working to create a permanent nasal structure for Tessa as she grows. These innovations are designed to reduce the need for future surgeries and provide her with a more natural profile.
Challenges Beyond Appearance
Living without a sense of smell presents unique safety challenges for Tessa. Without this critical sensory warning system, she is more vulnerable to dangers like fires or spoiled food. Her parents remain vigilant, ensuring her safety and emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about her condition.
Inspiring Change and Progress
Tessa’s courage and her family’s determination have sparked hope for others facing similar diagnoses. Her groundbreaking treatments have inspired another child in the UK to pursue similar procedures. Described as “charming” and “fearlessly courageous,” Tessa continues to challenge perceptions and drive innovation in medical science. Her family’s Facebook page, Tessa; Born Extraordinary, documents her incredible journey, inspiring nearly 10,000 followers.
A Legacy of Resilience
Tessa Evans’ story is one of love, resilience, and medical breakthroughs. Despite the extraordinary challenges posed by her rare condition, she exemplifies what is possible with determination and the support of a dedicated family. Tessa’s journey is not only reshaping lives but also redefining the boundaries of medical science.
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16-pound giant baby made headlines in 1983. Now he’s all grown up and still famous for is size
When 24-year-old Patricia Clarke fell pregnant in 1983, she had more than just a feeling that her child was going to be on the large side.
She’d already had one baby, and knew that big babies ran in her family. That said, she could never have expected just how huge the child she was carrying would turn out to be.
Patricia gave birth to Kevin Robert Clark, who epically weighed in at more than 16 pounds. At the time, he was not just the biggest baby ever born at Community Memorial Hospital, but perhaps the largest baby in the state of New Jersey.
He couldn’t fit into a standard sized crib, and his baby clothes were too small for him, but Kevin was – much to the relief of his parents – perfectly healthy.
Naturally, it wasn’t long before his size was noticed. He made headlines across the country, not only inspiring a segment on “Saturday Night Live”, but also getting a mention on “Good Morning America”.
Start as you mean to go on
But Kevin wasn’t done stealing the spotlight there. According to the New York Post, by the time he was 12 he stood 5 foot 7. By junior high he was 6 foot 5. From there, he just kept continuing to grow.
“There isn’t a day that goes by when someone doesn’t ask me how tall I am,” Kevin told the Post.
“I like to joke that I’m 5-foot-21. When people ask if I play basketball, I ask them if they play miniature golf.”
Today, Tom is 35-years-old. He’s a former military man who lives with is 6-foot tall wife and their Great Dane.
He’s more than learned to live with the fact he’s bigger than virtually everyone else. In fact, he takes it in his massive stride. These days, Tom is 6 feet 9 inches tall.
To see more on his incredible story, watch the video below:
It can’t be easy to quite literally be born into the limelight, nor to grow up with people pointing at you and asking questions the majority of the time. That said, Kevin seems to be handling it just fine … we wish him all the best moving forward!
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