Jono Lancaster’s parents decided not to bring him home from the hospital when he was born. The cause of their inability to love him was the unusual condition Treacher Collins syndrome, which damages the face structure and hearing abilities. They weren’t willing to go through the experience of frequent hospital visits and maybe surgery due to the syndrome.
Tragically, Jono lost everyone who was meant to adore him without conditions when he was just a few days old.
Social services made every effort to locate him a suitable family in the days that followed. Fortunately, Jono met Jean, a kind and kind woman, who seemed to be an angel. She knew he belonged with her the instant she laid eyes on him. She asked him, “How could you not love a child?” after hearing his tale. Her next inquiry was, “When can I take him home?”
When Jono originally recounted his life story at the 2015 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Breakthrough Summit, a lot of people were interested.
“My face characteristics are affected by a hereditary issue that I was born with. Because I lack cheekbones, my eyes sag,” he remarked. “I adore my tiny ears because they are warm at night. Still, I do require hearing aids. Count me among the fortunate. Those with more severe conditions require assistance breathing and eating. I’ve encountered children who have undergone over 70 procedures to address issues that might have made their life easier.
Regarding Jene, the person who gave him a devoted home, Jono states:
“I get two birthdays because Jean adopted me on May 18, 1990,” the man exclaimed.”I used to tell other kids that their parents had to stay with them when their mom went to the hospital and looked at all the babies and she chose me.”
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 contact Jono’s birth parents, but each time she got through, she was met with the same response: they didn’t want anything to do with him, not even to meet him.
Jono, who is now 36, endured various forms of bullying due to his appearance for the majority of his childhood.
“When I reached adolescence, I started to question, Why me? That led to me considering my biological parents. It’s expected that parents would always love you, even if you rob a bank. How might I possibly start a family? “Who will desire me?” he asked.”I began to detest my appearance. I got frustrated because there was nothing I could do to alter my appearance.Even in windows, I avoided staring at my reflection as I strolled down the street. I felt self-conscious about how I appeared.
However, something thereafter transpired that enabled him to recover his confidence.
Everyone would gawk at him and make comments about his appearance while he worked as a bartender. However, a “skinhead” customer with “muscles on top of muscles” and a ferocious appearance once approached the business. Before Jono intervened, nobody desired to serve him.”I have a question for you before you get my drink. “What’s wrong with your face?” asked the man.
“I have Treacher Collins syndrome from birth.” The man said, “All right,” in response.Jono then said, “I’m deaf,” and he displayed his hearing aides to him. The man enquired, “Do they come with an off switch?”You’re so lucky, dammit. My spouse is a talker who talks all the time; I would like to be able to turn her off.
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 instead of at him for the first time in a long time. It served as a reminder for him to “focus on the good.”
He now works as a motivational speaker and has a partner. In order to help young children who have his syndrome accept themselves for who they are, Jono makes sure he spends time with them.
“So what’s altered?” he inquired.”Humans remain the same. My parents continue to be indifferent to me. My mentality has changed, and that’s really strong. I have faith in myself and refuse to let bad vibes break me. I wouldn’t alter a thing. More than anything, my attitude was incapacitating. You can accomplish anything if you have the correct mindset.
This man has taught us to love him for who he is, and we are very happy about it.