Just 36 hours after he was born, Jono Lancaster was abandoned by his parents for being “too ugly.” Over 30 years later, Jono has reemerged to try and give others the hope to overcome obstacles and persevere through life.

Immediately after he was born, Jono was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Treacher Collins syndrome, which changes how bone and tissues of the face develop. The disorder typically results in facial abnormalities that are in the cheekbones, jaws, and chins in particular.

“I was born with a genetic condition that affects my facial features. I have no cheekbones, and so my eyes dip down,” Jono said in 2015. “I love my little ears, they don’t get cold at night. But I do need hearing aids.”

Jono’s parents did not take his appearance well.

“When I was born, [my birth parents] were in total shock,” Jono recalled. “I was out of the hospital 36 hours after I was born. Social services found someone to look after me. The foster carer was a lady called Jean.”

Jean tried for years to reconnect Jono with his parents, but they sent all her letters back to her with no response. Finally, Jean decided to adopt Jono for herself in 1990. Though he finally had the loving home he always wanted, growing up was still very difficult for Jono because of the way he was treated by his peers.

“I kind of felt like I was on my own, and I felt like I was the only one out in the world that was like me,” Jono said. “People are lucky enough to win the lottery or they become professional footballers, doctors, lawyers, but, why did I have to end up looking like this?”

Jono persevered, however, and now he spends his days traveling the world trying to inspire other kids with disabilities.

Jono has also met the love of his life, a gorgeous blonde named Laura. The couple met at a gym Jono was working at, and they immediately fell in love.

“I just feel so relaxed in her company,” Jono said.

Jono and Laura recently bought a house together, and they are looking forward to many happy years to come. Jono wants his story to serve as a reminder to people that they can overcome anything and eventually find the happiness they deserve!

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