Patricia Williams and her husband Dale never expected their sons’ unique appearance to spark a journey of awareness and acceptance. Redd, born in 2012, and Rockwell, born in 2018, both have Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), a rare genetic disorder affecting 1 in 17,000 individuals worldwide.
Initially, Patricia was concerned about how her sons’ differences would affect their lives and family dynamics. However, she soon realized the opportunity to educate others and break stereotypes. When Rockwell’s photos became a viral meme, the family chose to ignore the negativity and focus on spreading awareness.
As Patricia shared more about her sons’ experiences, she received numerous inquiries and realized how little people knew about albinism. She decided to use her platform to dispel misconceptions and showcase the beauty of diversity.
Redd, who underwent eye surgery to treat strabismus, now thrives in public school. His friends have grown to appreciate his unique qualities, and he enjoys playing outside with minimal precautions. Rockwell, too, is flourishing, and a recent video of him on “Western Day” at school received an outpouring of love and support on social media.
Patricia hopes to continue breaking down barriers and promoting understanding. By sharing her sons’ stories, she aims to show that individuals with albinism are not defined by their condition and are capable of living full, happy lives.
