They say that a mother’s love is the purest of them all, but sadly, this isn’t true for everyone.
36 years ago, a baby boy was born, but instead of a celebration, his parents decided to abandon him just 36 hours after he was born.
A tiny helpless baby who needed a mother’s warmth and love decided it was best to leave him because he looked different.
The baby boy was born with Treacher Collins syndrome.
The Treacher Collins syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect 1 in every 50,000 people. This disorder greatly affects the development of the facial bone tissues. It affects the jaws, chin, and cheekbones.
While the facial abnormalities are prominent, it doesn’t affect the baby’s mental development and intelligence.
“I was born with a genetic condition that affects my facial features. I have no cheekbones, and so my eyes dip down. I love my little ears, they don’t get cold at night. But I do need hearing aids,” Jono said in the NORD Breakthrough Summit.
After the hospital found out that the baby was abandoned, they called Social Services, and they found the kindest lady named Jean.
According to Jono, the hospital staff warned Jean about his appearance. Still, the kind old lady was saddened by the fact the baby’s mother rejected him.
The moment she saw Jono, Jean smiled and carried him. She rocked him and asked the people in charge if she could take him home.
That moment on, Jono found a mother’s love.
As a part of her job, Jean tried to contact Jono’s parents for 5 years straight. She wanted to give them a chance. Maybe they were just not ready, and maybe they want to see their cute little boy, now that he’s five years old.
Unfortunately, all the letters were sent back unopened.
Jean decided to adopt Jono on May 18, 1990. She showered him with love and support, but we all know that being different is hard. Little Jono grew up realizing that some people were cruel.
According to Jono, he grew up hating himself. He hated his appearance to the point that he can’t even look at himself in the mirror.
“I was very angry and frustrated. The song, Country Road, has the lyrics, ‘Take me home to the place I belong’ and I always felt as though I didn’t belong so I’d sit in my room, listen to the lyrics and sob,” Jono recalled in his interview with Leeds Live.
This went on until he was in his late teens. Everywhere Jono went, people made fun of him. It was all tiring for this young man, and then one night something unexpected happened.
He was able to talk to some random guy who made a joke, and they ended up laughing together. That feeling of laughing at a good joke made him think that he should change his mindset.
From then on, he started focusing on the good side of things.
It was like the universe finally heard his cries! One day, a cute girl even asked him out on a date! Soon, he started working in a gym. He started seeing himself as Jono, the wonderful person and not the Jono that was different.
He no longer avoided mirrors; he began to accept himself for who he was.
He saw how his new mindset changed everything around him. He dared to even try and contact his birth parents, but sadly, they still rejected him.
Even though this happened, it didn’t break him. He was a whole new person. He had dreams, and he had a purpose – to help others like him.
Today, Jono is one of the most famous people with Treacher Collins syndrome. He travels around the world to visit children affected by various disabilities. He then talks to them and inspires them.
He’s also happily married to a beautiful young lady named Laura, and guess what? They are very happy and are still very active in supporting and helping people with disabilities.
According to Jono, his life made a complete change. What’s the secret?
Well, it was his attitude towards his life. People who judge and make fun of him are still around. His parents still didn’t want him, but he’s soaring high and no one can stop him – because he knows he is loved. He knows his worth, and he knows his purpose.
Jono’s attitude in life is indeed very powerful. It can influence other people experiencing the same emotions he had to deal with for 23 years.
Check out his inspiring story in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
