In the contemporary world, the pursuit of success often entails a delicate balancing act—striving to ascend while endeavoring to conform, to avoid being labeled as an outsider or peculiar. This societal mindset places a disheartening emphasis on appearances and the comparative standards we impose upon ourselves.
Enter Jono Lancaster, a quintessential human being who has experienced firsthand the unkindness of the world on numerous occasions. Born in October 1985 in England, Jono Lancaster’s life took an unexpected turn from the very beginning. Shortly after his birth, medical professionals noticed a rare prenatal condition known as Treacher Collins syndrome, which causes facial bones to develop unevenly.
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The diagnosis was delivered to Jono’s parents with the disheartening prediction that he might never walk or talk. Overwhelmed by the news, Jono’s parents, regrettably, chose to relinquish their parental responsibilities, deeming it too overwhelming. Jono recollects those early days, saying, “My parents were completely taken aback when I was born. After 36 hours in the hospital, I was released, and social services arranged for my care.” He fondly remembers his foster caregiver, Jean, from the 2015 Nord Conference.
Less than 48 hours after his birth, Jono was abandoned by his biological parents and placed for adoption. The hospital promptly contacted Social Services, and a remarkable woman named Jean Lancaster stepped forward to adopt and raise Jono as her own. Jean’s initial encounter with the young boy was marked by compassion, not horror or fear. She simply cradled him in her arms, and an unbreakable bond was forged. Turning to the nurse, Jean inquired, “When can I bring him home?”
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From the outset, Jono received the love and care he needed from his foster mother, Jean, making her the most loving and devoted parent he could have asked for. Despite Jean’s unwavering support, Jono’s early years were marred by a lack of understanding and empathy from the world beyond.
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As Jono began attending school, he became acutely aware of his dissimilarity from his peers. He quickly realized that his appearance set him apart. Reflecting on those years, Jono expressed, “I felt like an island, the only one in the world who looked like me. I wondered, ‘Why did fate cast me in this mold?’ People are fortunate enough to win the lottery, pursue careers as doctors, lawyers, or professional footballers.” In an interview with Adelaide Now, Jono shared his sentiments.
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It is crucial to note that Treacher Collins syndrome has no bearing whatsoever on a child’s intelligence. Nevertheless, Jono’s classmates chose to focus solely on his appearance. They would make faces and shy away, expressing fears of contracting his supposed “affliction.” Jono confided in his mother about his anguish, as he recounted in an interview with the BBC, saying, “She had already done so much for me.”
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However, Jono remained resolute in his determination not to yield to prejudice, with the unwavering support of a remarkable woman by his side. Jean, Jono’s foster mother, sought to reconnect him with his biological parents. After five years of unanswered letters, on May 18, 1990, Jean took the monumental step of adopting Jono.
As Jono humorously put it, “I now have two birthdays.” He quipped during the 2015 Nord Conference, “I used to tell other kids that my mom went to the hospital, looked at all the babies, and chose me, while their parents were stuck with them.”