At the time of Jono Lancaster’s birth, his parents made the decision that they would not bring him home from the hospital. He was diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare illness that damages the facial structure and hearing ability. This was the reason why they were unable to adore him. Treacher Collins syndrome is a relatively uncommon disorder. The fact that they had the syndrome meant that they would have to go to the hospital quite frequently and most likely undergo surgery, and they were not eager to go through such an ordeal.
Regrettably, Jono was only a few days old when he was abandoned for all time by those who were supposed to adore him without conditions.
Over the course of the subsequent days, social services did all in their ability to locate a family that would be a good fit for him. Happily, Jono was fortunate enough to come into contact with an angel in the form of a woman named Jean who was both compassionate and caring. As soon as she laid eyes on him, she had the feeling that he was meant to be with her. Following the completion of his story, she posed the question, “How could you not love a child?” The second question that she posed was, “When will I be able to bring back home?”
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While attending the Breakthrough Summit hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) in 2015, Jono was the first person to share his life story, which attracted the attention of a great number of people.
I have a genetic disease that affects my face features, and it was present when I was born. My eyes are slanted downward since I do not have any cheekbones,” he explained. “I adore my small ears since they do not become chilly during the night. It is true that I require hearing aids. I count myself among the fortunate ones. The more badly damaged individuals require assistance with breathing and eating themselves. There are some children who have undergone more than seventy surgical procedures in order to address issues that would make their life simpler.
In reference to Jene, the woman who allowed him to grow up in a warm and nurturing environment, Jono says:
It was on May 18, 1990 that Jean adopted me, which means that I have two birthdays! he exclaimed. I used to tell other children that my mother went to the hospital and looked at all of the infants, and she chose me, whereas their parents had been forced to stay with them despite the fact that they were in the hospital.
Arrived in beautiful Adelaide to meet this little superstar. #adelaide #australia #treachercollins #lovinglife pic.twitter.com/XKTNbe5nnl
— Jono Lancaster (@Jono_Lancaster) November 17, 2014
Jean made several attempts to get in touch with Jono’s birth parents, but each time she did so, she received the same response from them: they did not want to have anything to do with him, and they did not even want to meet him.
Jono, who is now 36 years old, has been subjected to every type of bullying due of his appearance throughout the majority of his life.
During the time that I was a teenager, I started to wonder, “Why me?” That triggered a chain reaction of thoughts about my biological parents. Even if you commit a robbery, your parents are obliged to love you regardless of the circumstances. I don’t know how I could ever have a family. His question was, “Who will want me?” My face became something I detested. Because I was unable to alter the way that I seemed, I felt increasingly frustrated. Whenever I was strolling down the street, I made it a point to avoid glancing at my reflection, even in windows. It was embarrassing for me to look the way I did.
After that, however, he experienced a change that assisted him in regaining his self-confidence.
During the time that he was employed as a bartender, everyone was staring at him and making comments about how he appeared. However, one day, a customer who was described as a “skinhead” and who appeared to be tough and had “muscles on top of muscles” entered the establishment. However, Jono stepped in to serve him when no one else was willing to do so. Please allow me to ask you a question before you receive my drink. It was the man who asked, “What’s wrong with your face?”
“Treacher Collins syndrome was present in my body from birth.” The reaction of the man was “everything is fine.” Jono continued by saying, “I’m deaf,” and then he demonstrated his hearing aides to him. The man said, “Do they come with a switch that turns them off?” “Haha, you’re very fortunate. To be able to turn off her babbling is something I would like to be able to do because I have a wife who never stops talking.
This guy dunt know how to take a bad photo! He’s such a cool dude. @JeansforGenes around the world. pic.twitter.com/TLXiaUPOGK
— Jono Lancaster (@Jono_Lancaster) November 14, 2014
Someone laughed with Jono rather than at him, which was a welcome change after a long period of time. This served as a reminder to him that he needed to “concentrate on the positive.”
At the present time, he employs himself as a motivational speaker and has a partner. Jono makes it a point to spend time with young children that have the same syndrome as he does, and he works to assist these children in accepting themselves in their current conditions.
With that, he asked, “So, what’s changed?” People have not changed all that much. It is still my parents’ desire to have no interaction with me. The only thing that has changed is my mentality, and that is a very big deal. Rather than allowing myself to be brought down by bad energy, I choose to believe in myself. I would not alter any of it in any way. What was more incapacitating than anything else was my attitude. You are capable of accomplishing anything if you have the appropriate mindset.
Our hearts are filled with joy because this man has learned to love himself for who he is.
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