Many parents love to share adorable pictures of their newborns with friends and family. Patricia Williams was no exception. Filled with pride, she captured the tender moments of her baby boy.
However, Patricia got a shocking reaction when she eagerly showcased her collection of photos to others.
Let’s dive into the intriguing journey of Patricia’s family…
In 2012, Patricia welcomed her son, Redd, into the world. It wasn’t until the little one was two months old that Patricia noticed his remarkably white hair, among other unusual features.
An investigation by Redd’s father, Dale, into the baby’s darting eye movements, led to a surprising revelation: these were signs typically associated with albinism.
While Patricia initially doubted the diagnosis, given her unfamiliarity with the term, Redd clearly exhibited albinism’s characteristic signs, such as very light skin, white hair, and unique eye tracking.
Seeking clarity, they visited an eye specialist and genetic counselor. Redd was diagnosed with Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), which affects roughly 1 in 17,000 people globally.
At Redd’s birth, Patricia recalls the awe of the hospital staff due to his striking white hair and blue eyes. Given that Patricia, her husband, and their first son, Gage, all had blonde hair, she didn’t immediately suspect anything out of the ordinary.
The memory of Redd’s hair shining brilliantly in the sunlight is still vivid for Patricia. One month after bringing him home, she noticed how Redd’s gaze seemed to follow her everywhere.
Redd’s eyes, a captivating blue with hints of red in certain lights, stood out as well.
The realization of what Patricia’s family was watching didn’t stop with Redd. When her second son was born with the same condition, it became clear this would be part of their lives permanently.
In February 2018, Rockwell joined the family, exhibiting the same characteristics as his brother. Unfortunately, stolen photos of Rockwell began circulating online, resulting in cruel jokes.
Redd also endured teasing and taunts at school because of his appearance. His older brother, Gage, quickly took on the role of protector.
However, having thoroughly researched albinism before Rockwell’s birth, the Williams family was better prepared for the challenges. Despite their efforts, though, the sudden online spread of Rockwell’s images caught them off guard.
The couple initially attempted to contact individuals sharing the images, requesting removal, but soon realized the futility of this effort.
Determined, they pivoted their energy towards raising awareness to curb future bullying of children with albinism.
Patricia felt heartbroken following doctors’ confirmation of Redd’s diagnosis.
She worried about how his sensitivity to sunlight and potential vision issues could affect his future and the family dynamic.
Patricia clarified the fascination surrounding Rockwell: “A baby with white hair is rare, and since Rockwell’s hair stands up, it’s hard to miss,” she remarked.
The unexpected viral fame led many to inquire about her son’s appearance, revealing widespread ignorance about albinism.
Patricia saw this as an opportunity to inform others, recognizing her chance to spread knowledge about albinism beyond underrepresented media depictions.
The family made a pivotal choice for Redd – opting for strabismus surgery over using an eye patch, helping him integrate into a conventional public school from a specialized institution for the visually impaired. This move proved beneficial for Redd.
No longer starkly different from his classmates, Redd continued to grow and thrive.
While playing outside required Redd to don a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, he was, in spirit, like any other child. Remarkably, Rockwell also flourished alongside his sibling.
A Joyful Progression
On April 28th, 2023, a video featuring Rockwell during his school’s “Western Day” garnered widespread affection and commendation online. Viewers praised the charming boy, calling him “cute” and “adorable.”
Patricia addressed a common misconception about albinism, stating people often wrongly believe those with the condition have red eyes. The absence of pigmentation actually lends a bluish tone to their eyes.
Both Redd and Rockwell are now happy and thriving! Indeed, Patricia and her family feel blessed to enjoy such a beautiful life together!
Feel free to share this story with your loved ones!
