Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2023.
Patricia Williams, a Utah-based mother of four, faced the cruelty of social media trolls when images of her two children born with albinism became viral memes. Redd, born in August 2012, was the first to be diagnosed with the condition.
Redd’s pale skin, white hair, and tracking eyes prompted a visit to an optometrist and genetic specialists who confirmed Oculocutaneous Albinism Type one (OCA1), a condition affecting one in 17,000 people globally. However, Patricia initially dismissed the signs due to her lack of awareness about albinism.
Her other son, Rockwell, born in February 2018 with the same condition, faced online harassment as his images were turned into hurtful memes. The family struggled to have these memes removed from social media, and the experience prompted them to become advocates for albinism awareness.
As a proactive measure, Redd underwent laser eye surgery to correct his strabismus and transitioned from a private Blind School to a public one. This successful procedure spared him from the potential of wearing an eye patch, which would have drawn unwanted attention.
Rockwell, like his brother, overcame challenges associated with albinism, including the need for protective gear like hats, dark sunglasses, and sunscreen to play outside. Patricia’s advocacy work included sharing family photos on social media to help raise awareness and educate people about albinism.
Their efforts gradually shifted the narrative surrounding their children. As Rockwell and Redd grew older, they received a more positive reception from social media users. Social media posts of the children now garnered positive comments, with people describing them as “adorable,” “perfect,” and “cute.”
Patricia debunked common misconceptions about albinism, such as the belief that people with albinism have red eyes or are mentally disabled. She emphasized that albinism results from a lack of pigment in the eyes, which often leads to light blue eyes, and that people with albinism are like everyone else.
The family’s advocacy efforts extended to raising awareness about the dangerous situation in African countries, especially Tanzania, where people with albinism are targeted for their body parts based on superstitions related to traditional medicine. Patricia expressed her distress at the threat faced by her children in such regions.
The Williams family’s journey from online harassment to albinism advocacy highlights the power of awareness and education in changing perceptions and fostering understanding. Their story serves as a reminder that advocacy can make a difference in dispelling misconceptions and promoting empathy and acceptance.
Sources: AmoMama