When Jono Lancaster entered the world, his parents faced a choice many of us couldn’t imagine. Born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting facial features and hearing, Jono’s arrival brought more challenges than his parents felt they could handle. So, they made the heartbreaking decision to leave him in the hospital’s care.
But life had other plans for Jono. Social services quickly sought a home for him, and that’s when Jean stepped in. Jean wasn’t just any foster parent—she was someone who believed every child deserves love. When she heard about Jono, her immediate reaction was simple and life-changing: “When can I take him home?”
Jean officially adopted Jono on May 18, 1990, a date he now calls his second birthday. Growing up, he’d joke, “My mom got to choose me at the hospital. Your parents were just stuck with you!”
Though Jean tried to reconnect Jono with his birth parents, they refused contact. That rejection left a deep scar. As Jono grew older, bullying and self-doubt crept in. He struggled with his reflection, avoiding mirrors and feeling ashamed of his appearance.
“I started to hate my face,” Jono admitted. “I was ashamed of how I looked.”
Everything shifted one night at his bartending job. A tough-looking customer asked, “What’s up with your face?” Instead of shrinking away, Jono explained his condition. The man’s unexpected response—about wanting hearing aids to tune out his wife—broke the tension. For the first time, Jono felt seen, not pitied.
That moment became a turning point. Jono chose to stop focusing on the pain and started embracing life. Today, as a motivational speaker, he helps kids with Treacher Collins syndrome find self-acceptance.
Arrived in beautiful Adelaide to meet this little superstar. #adelaide #australia #treachercollins #lovinglife pic.twitter.com/XKTNbe5nnl
— Jono Lancaster (@Jono_Lancaster) November 17, 2014
“My birth parents still want nothing to do with me,” he shared. “But what’s changed is me. I’ve learned that the biggest obstacle wasn’t my face—it was my attitude. With the right mindset, you can achieve anything.”
Jono’s journey is more than a story about challenges—it’s about love, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself. His life is a testament to what can happen when someone chooses love over fear and self-acceptance over doubt.
Share this story with someone who needs a reminder of their worth—it could change their day!
