The secret to success in the modern world is to keep going and make every effort to blend in. Because you are viewed as “abnormal” or “odd” if you don’t fit in or are a little different from other people.
It’s a pessimistic view of life that overemphasizes looks and peer comparison.
Sadly, Jono Lancaster has frequently been painfully reminded of how harsh the world can be as a human being with the same flesh and blood as the rest of us.
Jono Lancaster was not like the other babies admitted to the hospital, even though he was born in England in October 1985.
Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare prenatal disorder, was the source of the adorable newborn boy’s uneven facial bone development.
The doctors also informed Jono’s parents that he would probably never be able to walk or speak. Jono’s parents were so taken aback that they decided it was too much and left him.
My parents were really taken aback when I was born. Within 36 hours of my birth, I was discharged from the hospital. Someone was appointed by social services to look after me. At the 2015 Nord Conference, Jono recalled the foster carer as a woman named Jean.
Jono was placed for adoption after his parents vanished when he was less than two days old. After the hospital called Social Services, Jono was adopted and nurtured by a stunning woman named Jean Lancaster.
When Jean saw the young child, she wasn’t frightened or startled. She clicked with him right away when she picked him up. “When can I bring him home?” Jean asked, turning to face the nurse.
Jono couldn’t have asked for a finer or more dedicated mother, and his foster mother provided him with all the love and care he required from the beginning.
Even with his mother’s unwavering support, Jono’s early years were characterized by a lack of external comprehension.
Jono began to find his identity when he attended school. It did not take him long to realize that he was not like his classmates.
I had the impression that I was the only person in the world who was just like me. Some people are fortunate enough to become physicians, lawyers, or professional football players, but in an interview with Adelaide Now, I constantly wondered myself, “Why did I have to end up looking like this?”
It is crucial to understand that Treacher Collins syndrome has no effect whatsoever on a child’s IQ. Jono’s attractiveness was all that his classmates were interested in. When he got close, they would flee and make faces, claiming they didn’t want to contract his “disease.”
“I used to keep my mother from knowing how unhappy I was.” In an interview with the BBC, he said, “She had already done so much for me.”
But a rare woman stood by Jono, and he refused to give up and allow the haters to triumph.
Jean, Jono’s foster mother, attempted to get him back to his birth parents. But on May 18, 1990, she took the next step and adopted Jono after they had been responding to her letters for five years in a row.
I have two birthdays, then! At the 2015 Nord Conference, Jono said, “I used to tell other kids that my mom went to the hospital and she looked at all the babies and she chose me, whereas their parents had been stuck with them.”
In a heartfelt 2015 Facebook post, Jono stated that he will never forget his foster mother.
This woman has the largest heart of anyone I’ve ever met, despite her diminutive stature. This woman, who has spent thirty years caring for foster children, is incredibly selfless and loving. This mother would weep each time a foster child was placed in a new home because she felt as though she had let them down in some way. This 40-year-old single mother welcomed me even though she had no idea what lay ahead. This mother gave me Claire, Stephen, and a wonderful family when she adopted me. This woman is a real angel who entered my life at the ideal moment.
Jean is the angel’s name, and she is my inspiration and mother.
Jono turned into a very disobedient teenager. He occasionally took actions just to get attention. It was his way of diverting criticism away from his physical attributes, which were the true issue. He tried to win folks over with a lot of alcohol and chocolates.
“I believed I was alone.”
However, Jono quickly made the decision to be a force for good and use his experience to help others because of Jean’s love and concern as well as his own fortitude.
The 36-year-old Jono has dedicated his life to serving those worldwide who suffer from Treacher Collins syndrome. For adults with autism, he has served as team leader.
He meets the kids, shares their predicament with their parents, and offers them encouragement and hope. Jono, who is currently working as a motivational speaker, frequently discusses Treacher Collins illness.
He claims, “My parents still don’t want anything to do with me.” The reason it works so well is that I’ve changed my perspective. […] I wouldn’t alter anything. My mindset was the main factor that rendered me incapable. You can accomplish anything if you have the correct mindset.
Australian two-year-old Zackary Walton is one of Jono’s mentees.
Zackary has already experienced bullying despite his childhood. However, Jono has been his friend for life.
Sarah Walton, the boy’s mother, told Adelaide Now, “When he said he was coming to Australia, we knew we had to meet him, and it’s made us so happy to see Zack meet someone like him.”
This beautiful photo was shared on Facebook in November 2014, when Jono and Zackary first became friends.
The wife of Jono Lancaster
Jono first met Laura Richardson in 2015 while he was employed as a fitness teacher.
Jono’s illness was accepted by Laura when they fell in love. After she embraced him for who he was, the two of them set out to make everyone smile and happy.
Before he met Laura, Jono always wanted to create a family and always believed that he would adopt children if he ever had any.
“Being a father has always been my dream. I was never raised by a father figure, despite the fact that my adopted mother was wonderful, and I sincerely miss that. Time spent with my father and son is something I miss. In 2011, Jono told the BBC, “I want to take my child to dance, gymnastics, football, or the school run—whatever they want.”
Any child that Jono fathers has a fifty percent chance of becoming Treacher Collins. Thus, the thought of having his own child caused a flurry of feelings, ethical dilemmas, and introspection. Many children with Treacher Collins have serious health issues, and some of them never breathe, even though Jono’s delivery was very routine.
Jono reasoned that adoption might be the wisest course of action.
“It’s great to give a child another chance, and it worked out great for me.” Nevertheless, Laura fears that she will be unable to care for someone else’s child or that the child will want to know who its biological parents are, and she believes she will have a strong desire to procreate. Jono continued.
She also has a strong desire for our child to be “our” child. Since I really want to take care of her when she gets pregnant, I’ll be the one to come downstairs at two in the morning when she needs a pickle or to sit with her on the couch.
Unfortunately, Jono and Laura were never parents. They made the decision to part ways and move on after ten years of dating. Jono provided an explanation of the choice on Instagram, writing:
After ten wonderful years together, Laura and I decided to call it quits as our relationship wasn’t developing. Respect for one another was the only thing that mattered, not appearances.
Some of his supporters were sympathetic and made an effort to find the good in the situation, reminding Jono that a broken relationship might still end pleasantly.
Breakups, in my opinion, can never be made to sound good. “It was terrible,” Jono retorted.
Watch the video below to hear Jono explain his experience. I promise it won’t elude you:
Even though Jono had a terrible experience, it is incredibly motivating to watch how he uses his bravery and fortitude to support other kids in similar circumstances.
It is my sincere wish that we can contribute to the dissemination of Jono’s tale. Not only to motivate others, but also to instill confidence and hope in those who require it. because everyone needs a little motivation from time to time.
Because of their looks, no one should ever have to face discrimination, harassment, or criticism! If you agree, kindly share this content!
