When Patricia Williams shared photos of her newborn son, Redd, she never expected the harsh reactions that followed. Born in 2012, Redd had striking white hair and pale skin, which Patricia initially thought were just unique traits. However, as he grew, she noticed other unusual characteristics, such as his eyes moving side to side. A quick Google search by her husband, Dale, revealed the truth: Redd had albinism.
Albinism, a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 17,000 people, results in a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. Redd was diagnosed with Oculocutaneous Albinism Type One (OCA1), a form of the condition that often leads to vision problems and sensitivity to sunlight. Patricia and Dale were initially overwhelmed, unsure of how this would affect their family.
When their second son, Rockwell, was born in 2018 with the same condition, the family faced even more challenges. Photos of Rockwell were shared online and turned into cruel memes, while Redd endured bullying at school. Despite these struggles, the family chose to focus on raising awareness about albinism rather than dwelling on negativity.
Patricia and Dale became advocates, educating others about the condition and dispelling myths. They emphasized that people with albinism are just like everyone else, with unique strengths and challenges. Redd underwent eye surgery to correct his strabismus, which greatly improved his quality of life. Over time, his classmates grew to accept him, seeing him as a regular kid who simply needed a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen outdoors.
Rockwell, too, thrived, winning hearts with his adorable personality. A video of him dressed up for his school’s “Western Day” went viral, with people praising his cuteness and charm. Patricia used the opportunity to clarify misconceptions, explaining that people with albinism typically have light blue eyes, not red, as many believe.
Today, Redd and Rockwell are happy, healthy, and living life to the fullest. Their story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of education. By sharing their journey, Patricia and Dale hope to inspire others to embrace differences and spread kindness.
