When Patricia Williams welcomed her son Redd in 2012, she was captivated by his unique appearance. With his white hair and pale skin, Redd stood out, but Patricia initially thought nothing of it. However, as he grew, she noticed his eyes moving side to side, prompting her husband, Dale, to research the symptoms. They soon discovered that Redd had albinism, a rare genetic condition.
Redd was diagnosed with Oculocutaneous Albinism Type One (OCA1), which affects 1 in 17,000 people worldwide. The condition causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, often leading to vision problems and sensitivity to sunlight. Patricia and Dale were initially unsure of how to navigate this new reality, but they were determined to give Redd the best life possible.
When their second son, Rockwell, was born in 2018 with the same condition, the family faced additional challenges. Photos of Rockwell were shared online and turned into hurtful memes, while Redd endured teasing at school. Despite these difficulties, Patricia and Dale chose to focus on raising awareness about albinism, educating others about the condition and its realities.
Redd underwent eye surgery to correct his strabismus, which significantly improved his vision and confidence. 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 Rockwell 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.
