Meet Eli, a baby boy born without a nose

April 1, 2015 - 2:26am

Norma Mayzes holds her grandson Eli Thompson at the NICU at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Mobile, Ala., on March 19, 2015. Eli was born at South Baldwin Hospital on March 4 without a nose. Besides not having an external nose, he doesn't have a nasal cavity or olfactory system. Eli has an extremely rare condition known as complete congenital arhinia, said his mother Brandi McGlathery, adding that there are only about 37 cases worldwide like his. The chance of being born with congenital arhinia is one in 197 million, she said. AP Photo/AL.com, Sharon Steinmann

MANILA, Philippines - Timothy Eli Thompson, a 6-pound, 8-ounce baby was born without a nose on March 4 in Alabama.

His condition is medically known as congenital arhinia - condition so rare it only has a one in 197 million probability.

Photo by Sharon Steinmann/AP from noticias.uol.com

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, it is a condition with only 30 cases reported so far.

There had been no indications that Eli wouldn't be a healthy baby. "I pulled back, and said, 'Something's wrong!'" Thompson told Al.com. "And the doctor said, 'No, he's perfectly fine.' Then I shouted, 'He doesn't have a nose!'"

Photo by Sharon Steinmann/AP from noticias.uol.com

According to the report, Eli's mother has already talked with parents who have had children born with the same condition, and it helped her feel better about Eli.

Five days after being born, Eli went through a tracheotomy to assist with his breathing. However, because of the operation, Eli doesn’t make noise when he cries.

Photo by Sharon Steinmann/AP from noticias.uol.com

Eli’s touching story went viral on social media. He now has a Facebook page (Eli's Story) to keep everyone updated on his progress and a page called GoFundMe where anyone can help him with medical expenses.

The page says:

I'm not the type of person that ask for help so this is very hard for me to do but since I won't be able to go back to work when I expected and bills, (medical expenses & travel expenses) aren't going to quit coming, I don't know what else to do. I would be so grateful for anything anyone could spare, but if you cannot afford to help with money I will be just as appreciative for prayers for my sweet Eli. He has a long road a head of him & we need all the support we can get. Thank you so much for taking time to read our story. I will be posting updates on Eli & his journey as much as possible.

Meanwhile, his parents decided not to do the plastic surgery just yet. "Until the day he wants to have a nose, we don't want to touch him. We have to take it day by day." Thompson told Al.com.

As of this writing, Eli is finally on his home:

We're finally home & getting ready for our first real bath, then it's cuddle time!

Posted by Eli's Story on Monday, March 30, 2015

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