Many parents cherish the moment of capturing and sharing precious newborn photos, and Patricia Williams was no different. She proudly photographed her beautiful albino son, eager to share his unique charm with the world. However, what she hoped would be a joyful experience quickly turned sour when her son’s photos were met with an unexpected and cruel reaction.
In 2012, Patricia Williams welcomed her son, Redd, into the world. Born with striking white hair, his unique appearance captivated everyone around him. However, it wasn’t until he was two months old that Patricia began noticing unusual traits.
Redd’s eyes moved rapidly from side to side, a behavior that puzzled Patricia and her husband, Dale. Curious and concerned, Dale turned to Google for answers and stumbled upon a surprising possibility: these were common symptoms of albinism. The term was unfamiliar to Patricia, but the pieces started falling into place—Redd’s pale skin, white hair, and distinctive eye movements aligned with the condition.
Seeking clarity, the couple consulted an optometrist and genetic specialists, who confirmed their suspicions. Redd was diagnosed with Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 1 (OCA1), a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 17,000 people worldwide.
Patricia reflected on the excitement that surrounded Redd’s birth. Nurses and doctors marveled at the baby with snowy-white hair and vivid blue eyes. At the time, she didn’t think much of it, as her family, including her eldest son, Gage, also had naturally blonde hair.
But as the weeks passed, Redd’s unique features became more apparent. Patricia noticed how his hair shimmered like spun silver in the sunlight and how his mesmerizing blue eyes occasionally reflected a red glow in certain lighting. Even when she tried to block his gaze, his tracking eyes remained unyielding—a hallmark of his extraordinary condition.
What began as a journey of curiosity soon became one of awe and love, as Patricia embraced the beauty and challenges that came with raising her exceptional son.
Patricia initially believed her son Redd might outgrow some of the traits associated with his albinism. However, her perspective shifted in February 2018 when her second son, Rockwell, was born—and he, too, had the same condition. This made it clear that albinism was a lifelong part of their family’s journey.
Rockwell’s arrival brought joy, but it also brought challenges. Shortly after his birth, the family experienced a heartbreaking ordeal: Rockwell’s newborn photos were stolen and turned into cruel memes on social media. It was a devastating moment that tested the family’s resilience.
Redd, now in school, was no stranger to the struggles that came with being different. He had endured bullying from classmates who teased him for his unique appearance. His older brother, Gage, became his protector, standing up for him whenever necessary. Thankfully, by the time Rockwell was born, the family was more knowledgeable about albinism and better prepared to support their youngest son.
What they hadn’t anticipated, however, was the viciousness of online trolling. Despite their initial efforts to contact people sharing the hurtful memes and asking them to delete the content, Patricia and Dale quickly realized it was a losing battle. Instead, they decided to rise above the negativity and channel their energy into advocacy.
Determined to turn their pain into purpose, the family became vocal advocates for raising awareness about albinism. Their mission was to educate others and foster a world where children with the condition wouldn’t face ridicule for being different.
Reflecting on Redd’s diagnosis years earlier, Patricia admitted she had been deeply upset at first. But over time, her perspective evolved. She came to see her sons’ albinism not as a limitation but as a source of strength and uniqueness that deserved celebration, not judgment.
