Are you in for a treat BRAVE JOURNEYS family?

Today’s guest is a bona fide superstar.  But that’s not why I love him.  And I really do love him.

36 hours after Jono Lancaster was born with Treacher Collins syndrome - a rare genetic disorder that effects the development of the cheek bones, jaw, chin and ears -  his parents abandoned him in the hospital, claiming they were “horrified by Jono’s physical appearance” …and they never looked back.

If you’ve read the book or seen the incredible film Wonder starring Julia Roberts & Mandy Patinkin, you will know that the principal character Auggie - played by the extraordinary actor - Jacob Tremblay - was born with the same condition.

But Jono’s tragic start to life doesn’t define him; it’s been the making of him.

Today at 36, Jono and I discuss, well, absolutely everything from parental rejection to being put in the foster system at two weeks old and formally adopted at age 5 by his magical mum, Jean.  

We talk about bullying, finding self-love, falling in love and becoming a global ambassador for the LOVE ME, LOVE MY FACE FOUNDATION that supports children and their families with Treacher Collins.

Jono is adored the world over for his optimism, wicked sense of humour, humility, remarkable sense of gratitude, and what he teaches us about making the world a more compassionate place.

Put it like this - If you don’t feel like pumping your fists in the air, being extra kind today and thankful for all your blessings, then I’m sending Jono round to your place… NOW.

This is Jono’s story …

BUT BEFORE YOU GO…

Find out more about Jono here

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CREDITS:

Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Tammi Faraday

With thanks to my special guest: Jono Lancaster

Audio Editor: Zoltan Fecso

With very special thanks to George Weinberg.

BRAVE JOURNEYS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung who are part of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders, both past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.