This may be my favorite story thus far. Honestly. I have loved doing this project. Every single one of these inspirational stories has encouraged me and blessed me beyond belief. This one, though, is a step above.
Jono Lancaster was born with a rare genetic disorder called Treacher Collins Syndrome. It affects the facial bones and tissues and not only does it change your appearance, but it also causes difficulties with breathing, hearing and sight.
Jono was abandoned by his parents at birth. He was teased and rejected over and over in his life. He was given the option to have surgeries to correct his disfiguration several years back, but he declined. He talks in this article about how he had wished when he was growing up that he would know just one other person who looked as he did.
He says "this is how God made me" and now he has made it his life's mission to travel around and meet the others in the world who are affected with this disorder. He is a hero to these young kids and an encouragement to their parents and families.
And he is a hero and encouragement to me. How many would make the choice he made? I ask myself this every day, as it is a basic theme in my novel. Are we made the way we are for a Purpose? A reason? If medical science can fix us, should we allow it? I think it is a very personal decision. And I think it is a very brave thing to say "this is how God made me and this is how I chose to remain for the sake of Purpose. For the sake of making the world a more loving place."
Jono Lancaster is a Hero.
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