When Patricia Williams gave birth to her son Redd in 2012, she was taken aback by his striking white hair and blue eyes. As Redd grew older, Patricia began to notice other unusual characteristics, including pale skin and eyes that seemed to track movement. It wasn’t until her husband Dale researched the symptoms that they discovered Redd had albinism.
The diagnosis was later confirmed by a geneticist and optometrist, who revealed that Redd had Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), a rare condition affecting 1 in 17,000 people worldwide. Patricia was shocked and concerned about how Redd would be treated in life, given his condition.
As Redd grew older, he faced bullying at school, with classmates mocking his appearance. His older brother Gage stepped in to protect him, but Patricia knew she had to do more to raise awareness about albinism. When her younger son Rockwell was born with the same condition in 2018, Patricia was better prepared to handle the challenges that came with it.
However, she was not prepared for the social media frenzy that ensued when photos of Rockwell were stolen and turned into memes. Patricia and her husband Dale tried to get the images taken down, but eventually decided to ignore the negativity and focus on spreading awareness about albinism instead.
Through her advocacy, Patricia has helped to dispel common misconceptions about albinism, including the myth that people with the condition have red eyes. She has also shared her sons’ stories to show that children with albinism can lead happy and healthy lives with the right support.
Today, Redd and Rockwell are thriving. Redd has undergone eye surgery to treat his strabismus and attends a public school, where he has learned to adapt to his condition. Rockwell, too, is doing well, and a recent video of him participating in his school’s “Western Day” event earned him widespread admiration and support on social media.
Patricia’s story is a testament to the power of advocacy and education. By sharing her sons’ experiences, she has helped to raise awareness about albinism and promote acceptance and inclusion.
