In the anticipation of Eli Thompson’s birth, his father playfully expressed his hope that their son would not inherit his own appearance. However, as the precious baby entered the world, a hush of solemnity and apprehension fell upon the room. Brandi McGlathery, the infant’s mother, instantaneously sensed that something was amiss, prompting immediate concern.
She stated, “I stepped back and exclaimed, ‘Something’s wrong!’”The physician responded, “No, he is perfectly healthy.” I immediately exclaimed, “He lacks a nose!”
The toddler was born without a nose and has faced many health complications
Eli was born prematurely without any nasal passages or sinus cavities, a condition called arhinia that is so rare it only affects one in 197 million births. Eli also had to undergo a tracheotomy at only five days old.
Despite the circumstances, the little boy developed a spirited personality and was beloved by everyone who knew him – and even those who didn’t and had merely seen his story on Facebook.
He was ‘very, very bright and happy, always smiling and giving everybody fist bumps,’ Finch told Al.com. Photos of Finch and Eli together show the toddler outstretching his tiny fist to match his dad’s.
She stated that his lack of a snout “didn’t bother him at all.”
5 days after being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Brandi McGlathery reports that the infant underwent a tracheotomy.
“The nurses here and at the Ronald McDonald House have gone above and beyond,” she remarked. “The nurse from the pod visits her ‘lover’ for a check-up.” She developed an attraction to him. 
She replied, indicating to her dozing son’s crib, “We think he’s great just the way he is.”
“We will refrain from touching him unless he requests a nose.” “We must take each day as it comes.”
According to Eli’s mother, before his nasal passages can be surgically reconstructed, he must complete puberty. She stated that she will prevent him from undergoing superfluous cosmetic surgery until then.
Tragically, the 2-year-old passed away at the Mobile Spring Hill Medical Center. Eli’s father, Jeremy Finch, posted on Facebook, “We lost our little friend last night.” 
Although Finch stated that they will never understand why this happened, he added that he was “so fortunate to have had such a wonderful child in his life. He completed his sentence much earlier than expected, but it was God’s time to bring him home.”
Thousands of Facebook users responded to Finch’s post by expressing their condolences to Eli’s family.
