Success in our culture means advancing while blending in. Because being different or not fitting in makes you “weird” or “abnormal.”

It’s a dismal mindset that obsesses on appearance and comparisons.

Just ask Jono Lancaster, a flesh-and-blood guy who has been ruthlessly reminded of how harsh the world can be. Jono endured much.

Treacher Collins syndrome caused the cute boy’s facial bones to develop asymmetrically. Doctors told Jono’s parents that he might never walk or talk. Jono’s stunned parents abandoned him.

My birth astonished my parents. My first 36 hours were in the hospital. Social services found me a caretaker. At the 2015 Nord Conference, Jono noted, “Jean was my foster carer.”

Jono was abandoned and adopted two days after his birth. The hospital phoned Social Service, and Jean Lancaster, a great woman, adopted and nurtured Jono.

Jean was unfazed by the infant. She raised him and bonded instantaneously. .

Jono couldn’t have had a better foster mother.

Despite his mother’s support, Jono’s early years were marred by rejection.

Jono discovered himself at school. He quickly realized he was different from his classmates.

I felt alone and like the only person like me. Why did I have to look like this? They win the lottery, become physicians, attorneys, or footballers. “Jono,”

Treacher Collins syndrome does not affect IQ. Jono’s attractiveness intrigued his classmates. They ran away and made faces at him, saying they didn’t want his “sickness” or to be around him.

I used to hide my unhappiness from my mum. “She had done a lot for me,” he told the BBC.

Jean, Jono’s foster mother, tried to identify his birth parents. She adopted Jono on May 18, 1990, after writing to them for five years without a response.

I have two birthdays! Jono told the 2015 Nord Conference, “I used to tell other children that my mother went to the hospital and she looked at all the infants, and she chose me, whereas their parents had been stuck with them.”

In an emotional 2015 Facebook post, Jono said he would never forget his foster mom.

“This small lady has the largest heart I’ve ever encountered. For 30 years, this woman has fostered and loved many.

She sobbed whenever a child transferred to another foster care because she believed she had failed them.

This 40-year-old single mom took me on without knowing what the future held. Claire, Stephen, and this lady adopted me. When I needed an angel, this lady appeared. Jean—my mother, my hero—is this angel.

Teenage Jono rebelled. He sometimes did things for attention. He did it to deflect attention from his appearance. He drank a lot and gave out sweets to make friends.

But with Jean’s love and his perseverance, Jono realized he should use his experiences to help others.

Jono, 36, is dedicated to helping Treacher Collins syndrome patients worldwide. He volunteers to lead autistic teams.

He encourages kids. He discusses it with their parents. Jono, an outstanding teacher, often discusses Treacher Collins syndrome.

He continues, “My parents still don’t want anything to do with me. My new outlook makes it powerful. . My attitude held me back most. You can do anything with the right attitude.”

Jono mentors Zackary Walton.

Fitness instructor Jono met Laura Richardson in 2015.
Laura accepted Jono’s condition after dating him. She accepted him and worked with him to brighten up others.

Jono thought he would adopt if he wanted kids before meeting Laura.

I always wanted kids. I need father-son time.” “I want to do the school run, take my kid to dancing, gymnastics, or football — whatever they want,” Jono told BBC in 2011.

Laura and Jono never had children, sadly. They split after 10 years.

Watch the video below below to hear Jono tell his story. I promise that it will change you.