A baby born with facial deformation was abandoned by his parents at birth, but he is now inspiring millions of people!
Jono Lancaster
Jono Lancaster, a 33-year-old man from England, was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome that caused deformities on his facial structure. Upon seeing their son with deformities, Jono’s parents gave him up for adoption 36 hours after he was born.
Treacher Collins Syndrome
Treacher Collins Syndrome prevents the skull, cheek, and jawbones from developing properly. Symptoms range from barely noticeable to severe and disabling, but typically include smaller or the absence of cheekbones, droopy eyes, and deformities of the ear canal causing hearing loss.
He was bullied as a child but was able to live a happy life with the help of his adoptive mom. He has overcome all his insecurities and now he is a confident young man and quite an inspiration!
In his 20s, he developed a passion for fitness that eventually led him to a job as a personal trainer. It was also at the gym where he met the love of his life, Laura Richardson, who soon became his wife.
Inspiration
Jono is now traveling the world to meet with children who also have Treacher Collins Syndrome. He aims to inspire those who share his condition, so that they may also live a normal life.
“I don’t want the children growing up with Treacher Collins now to make the same mistakes I did,” Jono said.
Jono tried to reach out to his birth parents again, after discovering that he has two other siblings who don’t know about his existence. But his parents rejected him the second time.
“My birth parents still don’t want anything to do with me. And the fact is that will never change. But what has changed is my attitude. I am so much more positive now and life is good because of that,” he added.
If you have been inspired by Jono’s testimony, share this to also inspire others!
References:
YouTube | nollygrio
Facebook | ABC 20/20
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