Treacher-Collins Syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder that can affect vision, hearing, and respiration. It has no effect on a person’s intelligence, though, or, more importantly, on their capacity to feel the pain of rejection.
The disease affects the development of the cheekbones, jawbone, ears, eyes, and ears, as well as other facial tissues and bones. About 1 in 50,000 people are born with Treacher Collins, which causes them to have deformed ears, little eyelashes, and slanted eyes.
Jono Lancaster was born in October 1985. Doctors who diagnosed him with TCS told his parents that he would probably never be able to walk or talk. They put him up for adoption when he was under two days old.
Then two weeks later, foster mother Jean showed up. Just after witnessing “a small infant who needed caring for,” she “fell in love with him.”
Five years later, she formally adopted him.
He has also never forgotten how much she loves him.
This woman has the biggest heart I’ve ever encountered, despite the fact that she may not be the tallest. This woman has been fostering children for 30 years; she has so much love to share and has sacrificed so much.
This woman cried every time a child was moved to a new foster home because she felt like she had failed the child. This woman took my job even though she was a single mother in her forties and had no idea what the future held.
She provided me with a great family Claire and Stephen in addition to adopting me. An angel sent to me at the perfect time, this woman.
Jean is the name of my mother, my idol, and this angel.
Despite their constant support, Jono didn’t begin to embrace his appearance until he was in his early 20s and stopped avoiding mirrors.
“Throughout my life, I’ve had to have a positive outlook. Everyone just assumes the worst of me when they look at me, so I have to continuously refute their presumptions.
He’s come a long way since then.
Treacher Collins is to blame for the fact that I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished.
Jono Collins is a fervent supporter of individuals Treacher Collins has harmed. The 32-year-old utilizes his personal experiences to speak to audiences and at schools all over the world. He has been dating the same woman for a long time.
But if the opportunity occurred, would he decide to have facial reconstructive surgery?
No, definitely not; he wouldn’t be him.
I was born this way for a reason, just as I was made this way by God.
So what has changed? Where did he obtain his fresh perspective?
My amazing family and friends are still in West Yorkshire, and I’m still a young man living there. Treacher Collins is still present, and my appearance has not changed.
Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am confident in myself. Instead of asking why I am me, I think it is wonderful to be me. I don’t hate my appearance; I enjoy it.
I’ve made the decision to let the world see my stunning smile and piercing blue eyes rather than keep them hidden. I made the choice to live!
Nothing makes you more powerless than a bad attitude! Self-assurance, optimism, and love for who you are will not just make your world better—they go hand in hand!
Learn more about this remarkable man, whose upbeat outlook enables him to speak out for others, by watching the BBC documentary “Love Me, Love My Face” down below. Encourage a positive mindset and self-love in others by sharing!
