When Jono Lancaster was born, his life took a heartbreaking turn before it even had a chance to begin. His parents made the devastating decision not to bring him home from the hospital. The reason? Jono was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of facial bones and can impair hearing. Faced with the reality of his diagnosis and the potential for frequent hospital visits and surgeries, his biological parents felt they couldn’t handle raising him. They left him behind.

At just a few days old, Jono lost the people who were supposed to love him unconditionally. He became a ward of social services, who worked tirelessly to find him a family who would offer him the love and care he deserved. And that’s when Jean entered his life—a woman Jono describes as his angel on Earth.

The first time Jean laid eyes on baby Jono, she felt an instant connection. Learning about his condition and his abandonment didn’t deter her in the slightest. In fact, it only deepened her resolve. “How could you not love a child?” she asked after hearing his story. And without hesitation, she followed up with, “When can I take him home?”

Jean officially adopted Jono on May 18, 1990, a date he still celebrates as his second birthday. He often tells others that while some moms have to take their babies home because they gave birth to them, his mom actually chose him. “She went to the hospital, looked at all the babies, and picked me,” Jono says with a smile.

Jean made several attempts to reach out to Jono’s biological parents over the years, hoping they might want to know their son. But each time, she was met with cold rejection. They had made their decision, and they didn’t want to be a part of his life—not even to meet him.

Growing up, Jono endured relentless bullying because of his appearance. Kids teased him, called him names, and made him feel like he didn’t belong. During his teenage years, he began questioning his worth. “Why me?” he often wondered. He couldn’t understand why his biological parents had rejected him. After all, aren’t parents supposed to love their children no matter what? “Even if you rob a bank, they’re supposed to love you,” he thought. He began to doubt whether he would ever have a family of his own. “Who would ever want me?” he asked himself. His self-esteem plummeted. He hated how he looked. There were days when he couldn’t even bring himself to glance at his reflection in a window.

But life had something better in store for Jono.

In his early twenties, Jono worked as a bartender. Most nights, people stared at him or whispered cruel comments about his face. But one night, a customer walked in who changed everything. He was a skinhead, covered in tattoos, with muscles on top of muscles. He looked intimidating, and no one else wanted to serve him. Jono, however, decided to approach him.

Before placing his order, the man bluntly asked, “What’s wrong with your face?”

Jono calmly replied, “I was born with Treacher Collins syndrome.”

“All right,” the man said, unfazed. Jono then pointed out his hearing aids, adding, “I’m also deaf.”

The man looked at the hearing aids and asked, “Do they have an off switch?” Then, laughing, he added, “You’re so lucky! My wife never stops talking. I wish I could turn her off sometimes.”

For the first time in a long time, someone laughed with Jono instead of at him. It was a pivotal moment. That interaction reminded Jono to focus on the positives in his life. It sparked something inside him.

Today, Jono Lancaster is a motivational speaker and a beacon of hope for others living with Treacher Collins syndrome. He travels the world sharing his story and inspiring others to embrace who they are. He also spends time with young children who have the same condition, helping them see their worth and beauty, just as they are.

“So, what’s changed?” Jono asks. “People haven’t changed. My biological parents still want nothing to do with me. But my mindset has changed, and that’s powerful. I believe in myself. I won’t let negativity control my life. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Jono’s story is a testament to resilience, self-love, and the power of mindset. His journey teaches us that our value isn’t determined by how we look or by the people who walk away from us. It’s about how we choose to see ourselves—and how we rise above.

And that’s exactly what Jono Lancaster has done.