For many parents, capturing precious moments of their newborns and sharing them with friends and family is a source of joy. Patricia Williams was no exception. When her son Redd was born in 2012, she lovingly took photos of him to share his cuteness with the world. However, instead of admiration, she was met with hurtful reactions and an unexpected surprise that changed her family’s life.
Redd was born with striking white hair, which immediately drew attention. The hospital staff marveled at his unique appearance, with his white hair and blue eyes creating quite a stir. Patricia, however, thought little of it. After all, she, her husband Dale, and their first son Gage were all blonde. It wasn’t until Redd was two months old that Patricia began to notice subtle differences in him, such as his eyes moving side to side in an unusual tracking motion.
Concerned but curious, Dale turned to Google for answers. His search revealed that Redd’s eye movements, along with his white hair and pale skin, were common signs of albinism—a condition neither Dale nor Patricia had heard of before. Skeptical but determined to find answers, they consulted an optometrist and genetic specialists. The diagnosis was clear: Redd had Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), a rare condition that affects 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.
While Redd’s unique features initially fascinated others, they also led to challenges. Patricia noticed his hair was so white it seemed to glisten in sunlight, and his blue eyes sometimes appeared red under certain lights. She hoped these traits might fade over time, but when her second son, Rockwell, was born in 2018 with the same condition, it became evident that albinism was a permanent part of their lives.
Rockwell’s birth brought new challenges. Photos of the newborn were shared online and cruelly turned into memes. This deeply hurt Patricia and Dale, who initially tried to have the images removed but quickly realized it was an impossible task. Meanwhile, Redd, now school-aged, faced bullying because of his appearance. Fortunately, his older brother Gage stepped in as a protector, offering support during tough times.
Despite their struggles, Patricia and Dale chose to use their experience to make a difference. Patricia became an advocate for albinism awareness, sharing her family’s story to educate others and combat the misconceptions surrounding the condition. She was saddened by how little people knew about albinism, often relying on inaccurate portrayals from movies. Through her advocacy, Patricia sought to change perceptions and ensure that children like Redd and Rockwell wouldn’t face bullying or discrimination.
Raising two children with albinism required adjustments. Redd and Rockwell needed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin from the sun. Patricia worried about how their condition would impact their lives—both physically, as albinism can cause vision issues, and socially, as they stood out due to their appearance. Despite these concerns, the family embraced their differences and worked to create a positive environment for their boys.
Redd underwent surgery to correct strabismus, a condition where the eyes don’t properly align. This decision was made to avoid him wearing an eye patch, which might draw more unwanted attention. The surgery significantly improved Redd’s vision and allowed him to transition from a school for the visually impaired to a public school. As he grew older, his unique traits became less of a focus for his peers, and he was able to blend in more easily.
Meanwhile, Rockwell thrived as well. By 2023, the family had turned a corner. On April 28, Patricia shared a video of Rockwell participating in his school’s “Western Day.” This time, the online response was overwhelmingly positive. Comments flooded in, praising Rockwell’s adorable appearance and charm. It was a heartwarming moment for the family, marking a shift from mockery to admiration.
Through their journey, Patricia has educated many about the realities of albinism. She clarified misconceptions, such as the belief that people with albinism have red eyes, explaining that their eyes are typically light blue due to a lack of pigment. By sharing their story, Patricia has raised awareness and encouraged acceptance, proving that differences can be beautiful.
Today, Redd and Rockwell are thriving. They enjoy the love and support of their family and a growing community of admirers who celebrate their uniqueness. This inspiring family has turned challenges into opportunities, showing the world the power of resilience, love, and advocacy. Share their story to spread awareness and inspire others—this is a tale worth celebrating.
