When Patricia Williams gave birth to her son Redd in 2012, she was taken aback by his striking white hair and piercing blue eyes. As Redd grew older, Patricia began to notice other characteristics that set him apart, including pale skin and tracking eyes. A visit to a geneticist and optometrist revealed that Redd had Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), a rare genetic disorder that affects only 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.
As Redd navigated the challenges of growing up with albinism, he faced bullying and ridicule from his peers. His older brother Gage stepped in to protect him, but the experience left a lasting impact on the family. When Patricia’s younger son Rockwell was born with the same condition in 2018, the family was better prepared to face the challenges that came with it.
However, they were not prepared for the cruel memes and jokes that circulated on social media, featuring Rockwell’s image. The family tried to get the images taken down, but eventually, they decided to take a different approach. They chose to use the opportunity to raise awareness about albinism and dispel common misconceptions about the condition.
Patricia began to share information about albinism on social media, using her platform to educate people about the condition. She explained that people with albinism do not have red eyes, but rather light blue eyes due to the lack of color in their irises. She also shared stories about Redd and Rockwell’s experiences, highlighting their strengths and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the family continued to share their story, they began to receive messages of support and encouragement from people all over the world. Redd and Rockwell’s confidence grew, and they began to thrive in their own unique ways. Redd underwent eye surgery to correct his strabismus, and he transitioned from a special school for blind children to a public school. Rockwell, on the other hand, became a social media sensation, with many people admiring his cute and adorable personality.
Today, Redd and Rockwell are living their best lives, surrounded by love and support from their family and community. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and awareness. By sharing their experiences and educating others about albinism, the family hopes to create a more compassionate and understanding world for everyone.
