It’s hard to imagine how anyone could choose to walk away from their own child, but that’s exactly what happened when Jono Lancaster entered the world.
From the moment he was born, his life was marked by a heart-wrenching decision that paved the way for an incredible story of resilience, love, and self-acceptance. However, the reason his parents decided to abandon him was not the result of some tragic twist of fate, but rather a disturbing truth that left many wondering how anyone could make such a choice. What led two people to turn their backs on their newborn son? The answer lies in a rare genetic condition that many still don’t understand.
Jon’s parents couldn’t bear the thought of raising a child with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of facial bones and hearing.
Although his condition is not life-threatening, it involves frequent medical checkups and surgeries that his parents were unwilling to undergo. This decision changed the course of Jon’s life forever, leaving him alone in the world without the love and care he deserved from the very people who were supposed to protect him.
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Tragically, Jono lost everyone who should have absolutely adored him when he was only a few days old…
Social services made every effort to find him a suitable family in the following days. Fortunately, Jono met Jean, a kind and gentle woman who looked like an angel. She knew he belonged to her the moment she laid eyes on him.
She asked him, “How could you not love that child?” after hearing his story. Her next question was, “When can I take him home?”
When Jono originally told his life story at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) landmark summit in 2015, a lot of people were interested.
“My facial features are affected by a hereditary problem I was born with. My eyes droop because I don’t have cheekbones,” he noted. “I love my ears because they are warm at night. I still need hearing aids. Count me among the lucky ones. Those with more severe conditions require assisted breathing and food. I know several children who have had almost 70 surgeries to correct them.” problems that could have made their lives easier.”
Of Jen, the person who gave him a devoted home, Jono says:
“Jean adopted me on May 18, 1990 – so I have two birthdays!” he declared. “I was telling the other kids that my mom went to the hospital and looked at all the babies and chose me while their parents stayed with them.”
Jean tried to contact Jon’s parents several times, but each time she contacted them, she was met with the same response: they wanted nothing to do with him or see him.
Jono, now 36, endured various forms of bullying for most of his childhood because of his looks.
“When I hit puberty, I started to wonder: Why me? That made me think about my biological parents. Your parents are always expected to love you, even if you rob a bank.”
How could I start a family? “Who will desire me?” he muttered. he began to despise my appearance. I was frustrated because there was nothing I could do to change my appearance. Even in windows, I avoided staring at my reflection as I walked down the street. I was confident in how I looked.
But then something happened that allowed him to regain his confidence.
Everyone stared at him and commented on his appearance as he worked as a bartender. However, one day a “skinhead” customer – a man with “muscles on top of muscles” – entered the store. Before Jono came in, no one wanted to serve him. “First of all, can I ask you something?” “What’s wrong with your face?” the man asked.
“I was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome.
The man replied, “Okay.” Jono then said, “I’m deaf,” and showed him his hearing aids. The man asked, “Do they come with a switch?” “How lucky you are. My wife talks non-stop so it would be nice if you could stop nagging her.”
For the first time in a long time, someone was laughing with Jon instead of him. It served as a reminder to him to “focus on the good.”
He now works as a motivational speaker and has a partner. To help young children with his syndrome accept themselves as they are, Jono spends time with them.
He asked, “So what changed?” “People remain the same. My parents continue to be indifferent to me. My mentality has changed, and that’s really powerful. Instead of getting carried away by bad vibes, I have confidence in myself. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
More than anything, my attitude was incompetent. If you have the right mindset, you can achieve anything.”
This man has taught us to love him for who he is and we are very happy about that.
Jono Lancaster’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance. Despite the heartbreak of being rejected by his birth parents and the bullying he faced because of his appearance, Jono rose above these challenges with the love of his adoptive mother Jean, and the support of those who accepted him for who he truly is. His story highlights the importance of a shift in perspective—a decision to focus on inner strength, positivity, and self-worth instead of dwelling on outer negativity.
Today, Jono serves as an inspirational role model not only for those with Treacher Collins Syndrome but for anyone who has ever felt different or unworthy. His work as a motivational speaker and advocate allows him to provide empathy and encouragement to young children who face the same challenges he once faced. With his courage and humor, Jono reminds us that we all have the power to rewrite our own stories, no matter the obstacles, and that love and acceptance—whether from others or from within—are the greatest forces for healing and transformation. His message is clear: with the right mindset, anything is possible and every person deserves to be loved exactly as they are.