Treacher-Collins syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the growth of the cheekbones, jaw, ears, eyes, lips and other parts of the face.
It affects about 1 in 50,000 children and causes varying degrees of physical disability, including breathing, hearing and vision problems. However, TCS patients do not have cognitive or emotional impairments.They feel the same emotions as everyone else and feel the heartbreaking pain of rejection.
Jono Lancaster was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome in October 1985. When he was diagnosed, his parents were told he would never walk or talk.
A few days after he was born, the couple gave him up for adoption. Jean immediately fell in love with the baby and decided to adopt him as a foster child.
His heart was full of love and he obeyed for five years before announcing his adoption. Jean was an endless source of support and kindness to the boy during those years. Because he wasn’t just a “tall” person in his life. It was an eternal gem of compassion and care.
Jean has 30 years of experience raising children in need and has proven to be an outstanding role model with an infinite capacity for love. “Zhan, a 40-year-old single mother, welcomed me into her family. She took on the difficult task of caring for foster children and felt that she had let them down every time one of them left. Jean didn’t know what to expect, but she welcomed me with open arms and provided a loving home for me, Claire and Steven.
Jean was more than an angel to me. He was my hero. Her generosity and willingness to take on the role of a single mother while caring for other foster children taught me what it means to be selfless and give of yourself.
“I will never forget Jean as a special woman who took care of me in difficult times and created a family that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
It wasn’t until he was 22 that Jono came to terms with his appearance and doesn’t even look in the mirror anymore.
Her cheerful attitude served her well throughout her life, proving wrong everything others assumed about her based on her appearance.
Her progress since then has been remarkable and she has become proud of herself and what she has achieved despite having Treacher Collins Syndrome. Now 32, Jono and his loving partner are inspiring advocates for those affected by the disease.
She travels the world to raise awareness and encourage others by sharing her story of living with the disease. If she had a choice, she would not have had facial reconstruction surgery. After all, it wasn’t him, and he believes that an almighty force predestined his appearance for a specific purpose. His altered perception of his physical characteristics is largely the result of recent internal changes.
“I was born in West Yorkshire and had a great network of friends and family to rely on. I found the courage to embrace and be proud of my appearance despite having Treacher Collins Syndrome.
He did not hide his infectious smile and beautiful blue eyes. “I stopped feeling sorry for myself and accepted life and fully understood who I was.”
The BBC documentary ‘Kiss Me, Kiss My Face’ tells the touching story of a special person. This brave man’s positive attitude and confidence allowed him to speak up for others, leading to better things in his world. Her approach shows that believing in yourself can be incredibly empowering and rewarding.
Positive thinking and self-love can be incredibly successful in overcoming challenges, no matter how difficult they may be. This captivating story promotes optimism, security and self-esteem, showing how too much destructive thinking can leave us weak and helpless.
It also reminds us that sharing the news with others can have a huge impact on our lives and the world around us.
