In 2012, Patricia and Dale Williams joyfully welcomed baby Redd into their lives. While their happiness was unparalleled, they soon recognized something distinctive about their newborn.
Redd sported snowy white hair, setting him apart in the most charming way. However, by the time he was about two months, they noticed a persistent side-to-side movement in his eyes.
Concerned about this unusual observation, they delved into online resources to understand the symptoms, increasingly suspecting that Redd could have albinism.
Their first action was to consult with an optometrist and genetic experts for a conclusive diagnosis. It wasn’t long before their concerns were validated: Redd had Oculocutaneous Albinism Type one (OCA1), an uncommon condition affecting roughly 1 in 17,000 individuals globally.
When Redd was born, his unique appearance captured the fascination of the hospital staff. Many were eager to see the infant with the brilliant white hair. Patricia had initially assumed that his hair color might change as he grew older. However, the diagnosis clarified that Redd’s notable white hair, and the occasional glint of red in his eyes under specific lighting, were here to stay.
Fast forward to 2018, Patricia and Dale were elated to announce the birth of their second son, Rockwell. Intriguingly, Rockwell shared the same albinism type as his elder brother, Redd.
Sadly, during their early school years, both Redd and Rockwell endured taunts about their appearance. Even with their elder brother Gage, who doesn’t have albinism, trying to shield them, the teasing continued.
Patricia consistently encouraged her sons to celebrate their unique looks and develop a strong sense of self-worth. However, a distressing event took a toll on the family. A photo of Rockwell, which Patricia had posted on her social media, was misused to create a meme. Even though they requested its deletion, it had already proliferated online.
Instead of getting bogged down by this episode, the family decided to rise above it and chose not to let it overshadow their lives. They evolved into advocates, determined to enlighten others about albinism. Patricia’s photo of Rockwell drew significant attention, garnering her a considerable online following and a flood of queries regarding her children. This surge in interest highlighted the widespread lack of understanding about albinism, with most perceptions being shaped by inaccurate media portrayals.
Recently, Redd underwent an eye procedure to address his strabismus. This successful operation enabled him to move from a specialized school for the visually impaired to a mainstream public school. The family believed the surgery was a judicious decision as it significantly improved Redd’s condition. They chose this route over having him use eye patches, hoping to minimize any additional attention and potential teasing.
On April 28, 2023, Patricia shared a clip of Rockwell taking part in his school’s “Western Day.” Contrary to past incidents of teasing, this occasion saw a wave of positive support and appreciation for the young boy on social media.
On April 28, 2023, Patricia shared a clip of Rockwell taking part in his school’s “Western Day.” Contrary to past incidents of teasing, this occasion saw a wave of positive support and appreciation for the young boy on social media.
