Patricia Williams’ family history is a wonderful example of embracing diversity and valuing individuality. When her son Redd was born in 2012, everyone was captivated by his gorgeous almond-shaped eyes and glistening white hair. Redd was initially thought to be a blond baby, but it was soon determined that he had albinism, a rare genetic condition characterized by the lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.
As the family delved into their genetic roots, Patricia thought of her 85-year-old grandmother, who lived on a Native American reservation and also had platinum-blonde hair. Although her grandmother never fully understood her sickness, this revelation added a new depth to their family’s history by shedding light on how inherited abnormalities may resurface decades later.
Years later, Redd gave birth to a younger brother named Rockwell, who also inherited albinism. The brothers are doing well; they are currently two and nine years old, respectively. Their albinism hasn’t affected their daily lives, other from their striking appearance. Its unique look has even caught the attention of advertising firms, who are eager to include Redd in their campaigns. Even though people regularly stop to stare and take pictures of the siblings, the family views this as an opportunity to recognize their individuality and beauty—always ensuring that these interactions are polite.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that uniqueness is a gift that can make the world a more beautiful and pleasant place. The Williams family’s joy in their distinctiveness inspires others to cherish their ownness by demonstrating the power of love and acceptance.
