When Jono Lancaster was just 36 hours old, he was given up for adoption by his biological parents. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), Jono’s biological mother was horrified by his appearance and stated she didn’t experience a natural bond with her baby. TCS affects the way facial bones form in the womb, so it deeply impacted Jono’s appearance because his cheekbones did not develop, which caused his eyes to droop. It also impacted his hearing, and doctors told Jono’s parents that he would probably never walk or talk.
Abandoned by his mother and father within the first few hours of his life, Jono’s future was in jeopardy. Thankfully, a woman named Jean was able to look past the baby’s appearance and decided to foster him when he was just two weeks old. Because of the abandonment he experienced and the bullying he was subjected to early in life, Jono knew the only way he would be able to enjoy the world around him was by believing in himself and staying positive.
“I’ve had to be positive throughout my whole entire life. Everybody just looks at me and underestimates me, and I’ve always had to prove people wrong.“
One of Jono’s favorite places to be is the gym. It’s a safe haven that allows him to release pent up energy and gives him the strength and motivation to keep improving the things he can control. And when asked if he’s ever considered facial reconstruction surgery, Jono makes it clear that it’s not something he can ever see himself doing. ”[It’s] not me. God made me like this and I was born like this for a reason.“
When he was 25, Jono attempted to connect with his biological parents. The adoption agency had access to their information and was able to send a letter to them outlining their son’s desire to meet. However, shortly after the letter was sent, the agency told Jono that his mother and father did not want to meet him and that they did not want him to try and get in touch with them in the future.
This second rejection left Jono broken once again, but rather than allowing it to completely consume him, he decided to channel the hurt as even more motivation to be his best self. Over the years, Jono has garnered a large social media following and receives messages every day from people who think he is an inspiration to others and who have been personally touched by TCS. Jono says knowing his choices and words have helped others makes him feel good. He now spends his time traveling around the world, meeting individuals with TCS and educating children about the importance of acceptance and being kind to one another. (Source)
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