11/06/2026
Jono Lancaster was just 36 hours old when he was left in a hospital by his birth parents because of his appearance.
Born in 1984 with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect facial development and hearing, Jono faced a difficult beginning. But his life took a different turn when Jean Lancaster, a single mother, adopted him and raised him with love and acceptance.
Years later, as an adult, Jono reached out to his birth parents. He simply wanted them to know that he was doing well. Their response was heartbreaking:
“We do not want any contact and further attempts will be ignored.”
Rather than allowing that rejection to define his future, Jono chose to turn his experiences into something meaningful for others.
In 2019, he co-founded the Love Me Love My Face Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting people with facial differences and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
Today, Jono travels internationally, sharing his story and helping children understand that looking different does not make them less deserving of friendship, acceptance, or opportunity. His advocacy also challenges the b*llying and stigma that people with visible differences can experience.
Jono's journey is a reminder that the circumstances of someone's birth do not have to determine the direction of their life. Through his work, he is helping other children grow up knowing they deserve the same kindness and respect as anyone else.