I did a huge paper on albinism several years ago in grad school. I met a few kids with it at our local school for the visually impaired. Just normal kids, really. Can't seat them next to the window. Other than that, they're really like any other kid with visual problems.
aaaahh nooo. This is an impairment of melanin. The average white person is not melanin impaired. You noticed how we have some color and we get tans? well some of us get tans.
the eyes need pigment to see properly and with out it the eye can not function properly.Albinos have no pigment and that is why his eyes are effected.The eyes can not handle bright light or light for that matter with out pigment.
@rattypajamas No I have never known anyone with it but,I love to read and love helping people,I try to learn all I can about something when I find it interesting or if I think I might be able to help someone or something in some way.I also have a rare disorder that is incurable.So I kinda know what it is like to have people never understand you or your pain you live with daily.I have a very big heart..
Isn't the condition where his eyes move back and forth called nystagmus? Like... because of the lack of pigment they have to... quiver, if you will-- to relay the image so it's viewable?
I read an article about it, but not everyone with albinism HAS nystagmus. Just usually the "quivering" is because of it.
Okay I have full blown albinism.. The question about the whole powder thing was kinda silly lol... I feel like this boy is also suffering from something else besides albinism. I would be more than happy to be friend anyone who is curious about the condition..
once I saw a talk show where a woman had Identical Quadruplets, which is rare enough, and they all had albinism. They were a black family so it was very obvious. The host asked them if they ever get asked if they are white. they all said "We tell everyone that we are albino black boys" those kids are probably teenagers now. They were soo cute, this vid reminds me of that
This young man was wonderful to talk about his condition and experiences with us you tubers, its great for parents whose children have albinism and are not old enough yet to express themselves as well verbally about there experiences. So again Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Both my Son (4) and Daughter (3) have albanism. My son's eye sight is much more effected then my daughters, both have nystagmus as well. They are both very happy and wonderful kids. Really if your gonna have a genetic condition one that makes you blonde and Blue eyed isn't as bad as some. They have a great out look so far in life. I think the biggest thing we try to teach them is self advocacy so they get the most out of the supports they have.
yeah but he does not look like he has any sickness to me I wonder if this is the characteristics that originated blonde hair and blue eyes in europeans
The word albinism refers to a group of inherited conditions. People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. They have inherited altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. One person in 17,000 in the U.S.A. has some type of albinism. Albinism affects people from all races. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds.
People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. They have inherited altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. One person in 17,000 in the U.S.A. has some type of albinism. Albinism affects people from all races. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds.
You know what, I may be wrong. Because you said that you knew nothing about albinism before you had a child. But still, it can be a form of genetics passing down for the hair darkening. I don't know why I am obsessed with the topic, I am just good with chemistry and genetics.
Thats because white people are albinos and they have a genetically recessive gene, there is an absence of melanin. After generations of albinos reproducing there is the white collective. Its a genetically recessive trait, explains why there are only 8 % who classify themselves as whites in the world while 92% are non-white
He is mostly German, so he may have ended up looking pretty much the same, even if he hadn't had albinism. His hair has gotten even darker since this video was made. I have wondered myself.
He has been diagnosed with the condition.
There is still much I don't understand about albinism. Can anybody explain?
It could be genetics. If I understand correctly from my Chemistry class, it takes two genes containing the albinism to produce a child that has albinism, right? But, if you have someone in the family, like way before, that did not have albinism, but had light hair to start with, and got darker over the years, its possible that the color changing it's tone of darkness within the hair passes down to the next child. OF course, I could be talking complete hooey, so I am not sure.
There are different forms of albinism and one form does present at birth as normal albinism, but the hair darkens over time. Check out the NOAH website, and look under the different types. You should see it there. =) I hope that helps.
I read an article about the sorry fate of albinos in Africa, considered as-magic by local sorcerers who have them kidnaped to be killed- they use their skins, skulls and bones as magic implements. I found Willie very intelligent and perspicacious. I loved his answer about teachers's indifference - "Not one bit!" This is the answer of someone who is most able to see and appreciate nice gestures or lack of it at school. Moving. You want to give him a hug.
How interesting, I did not know a lot about albinism, you are blessed with a wonderful boy, and God Bless great parents too. Thank you for sharing with us silly bunch of ignorants.
this is weird cuz way back in the day i played t ball with an albino dude and he always got hit in the face.. so when he sayed the sports thing i was like no way lol..
he says "normal people" theres nothing wrong with him. just because he has albinism doesnt set him away from anyone else. there really is no definition of normal any more. he no farther from normal then you, me, or anyone else. :)
He's an intelligent kid, you've obviously done a good job raising him :)
It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between a White and Albino person, given that fair skinned and Auburn people also need to stay out of the sun, and experience hearing and vision difficulties, melanated eyes have better visual ascuity than blue and less pigmented eyes, and Blonde hair is also judged to be defective, so perhaps 'White' people have variants of Albinism, maybe it's not so 'rare' unofficially.
He's an intelligent kid, you've obviously done a good job raising him :)
It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between a White and Albino person, given that fair skinned and Auburn people also need to stay out of the sun, and experience hearing and vision difficulties, melanated eyes have better visual ascuity than blue and less pigmented eyes, and Blonde hair is also judged to be defective, so perhaps 'White' people have variants of Albinism, maybe it's not so 'rare' unofficially.
@nationalwavelength Some white ppl might have problems with their eyesight but most don't. I have blue eyes & theirs never been anything wrong with my eyesight & how can you have brown or red hair and freckles, if you've no pigmentation? I don't know that much about Albonism, & you might think some white ppl look similar, but I think theres a bit more to it than just being white, white ppl don't lack pigmentaton unless they have albonism . . . ;)
Why don't they have that creature locked up?? It hasn't bitten anybody yet? that thing is pretty well trained for an albino. Hopefully the put a muzzle on that thing when they take it for a walk though. Odd little creature all the none, good vid
Boy i hope your not white because reading up on white people shows that they are mutated albinos. I have mixed ansestry like most African Americans so im not being ignorant but this seems to be true correct me if im wrong.
I have heard no such information about mutated genes correlating with predominately-white raced people. I believe most people are of mixed ancestry. Does anybody really know if they are truly 100% white?
Most people have a few mutated genes somewhere in their ancestral lineage. Willies ophthalmologist informed us that a few types of albinism ARE mutations. There is another variety of albinism that the mother passes on to her sons. The type of albinism that Willie has is caused when the mother and father each carry a recessive gene for albinism. This type of albinism might span several generations without anybody knowing that the family is carrying this gene.
Why don't they have that creature locked up?? It hasn't bitten anybody yet? that thing is pretty well trained for an albino. Hopefully the put a muzzle on that thing when they take it for a walk though. Odd little creature all the none, good vid
Most of these questions are questions that we have actually been asked, so I thought Willie could answer these questions on Youtube. It is amazing, some of the things that people dont know, but we all have to start out somewhere.
I have albinism too! But my hair is lighter than Willie's. Honestly though, if someone asked me those questions, I would have very similar answers. Except when he was talking about not wearing glasses. I've had 2 eye surgeries and I wear glasses. Fortunately, my vision (with glasses) is just good enough to be able to drive with a very restricted license. By the way, sunblock is a very big deal for me too.
Wow! Thanks for that information! Surgery? How interesting. I never knew about a surgery. Did the surgery stop the nystagmus or did it improve your eyesight?
Both surgeries dampened (reduced) the nystagmus, it's still there and will probably never go away. I had the first surgery done when I was about a year old, and that's the one that had a major impact on my eyesight. So for many years after that operation, my sight was improving little by little. However, there hasn't been any change in the past couple years. I still have to wear glasses with a very strong prescription. I had the 2nd operation last year, which didn't do too much for me.
I enjoyed your SSB Tournaments video. you have a wonderful sense of humor. Is the other girl in the video your sister? She reminds me of Willie's sister.
Thanks. I really enjoyed your transformation video. You look attractive in both styles, though. Your friend Shae looks like she could be your sister!
I just wanted to point out that albinism is an eye condition. The way I understand is that a person can have brown hair and brown eyes and still have albinism. It depends. Which type of albinism a person has will determine whether it involves the hair, skin, or just the eyes.
It's when someone has no pigment (colour) anywhere on their body.
Hair and skin are white and their pupils are a pink-ish colour. They do have trouble seeing, but they are totally normal people, mentally and physically.
If you mean sunburn... It can be bad. I myself have albinism and I live in a relatively cold country and 15 minutes in the sun in septeber (20 degrees celcius lets say, on a good day)and I would get burned. Severe burning, like forgetting to put on sun lotion, can lead to fierce swelling and blisters, so it's really important to be careful. Tanning is absolutely never going to happen lol
That is what happened to "Willie" when he was a baby. We only walked about two blocks to get his brother from preschool, and by the time we got back home again, his little legs had sunburned.
Is it just me or is the interviewer trying to make him look stupid? But he puts it right back on her, lol: Q - "What do you have in common with them?" A - "Albinism"
I've only ever known one albino, he was a graduate student in Computer Science working on his Ph. D...
What we were TRYING to do was answer questions that some OTHER people have about albinism. I am the interviewer and also his mother, so I already knew the answers.
Yes, he puts it right back on me. That was one of his subtle comebacks. He is quite witty and this is actually his third year in the talented and gifted program at school.
When I asked what he had in common, I was expecting him to tell that they all had challenges with their vision, or more specific things like the light hurting their eyes.
Thank-you so much for your comment. I am always glad to hear about other people like Willie who excel in life. What school did your friend attend? Willie and his friends might want to check out that school.
However, I think your son will excel in college no matter what school he attends, if he is going to go for a degree in one of the "hard science" fields like computer science, engineering, physics, etc.
It's been my experience that faculty and students of these programs couldn't care less what you look like. They respect you for what is inside your skull, not outside :-)
I bet I know why his eyes move back and forth. Melanin conducts movement, light, energy. I just heard about some eye drops that increase melanin in the eyes. I wonder if that would help. I wonder if he'd be more prone to Parkinson's.
i have albinism to, this kid is pretty cool...since i'm the only person at my school witht he condition its really intresting to see someoen with the same conditions as me, but were just like regular people, i have a ton of friends and do alls orts of regual activities
I'm not exactly sure how. They did many tests, and I'm not sure which one actually confirmed the diagnoses, but there are different signs that indicate it. The way his eyes move back and forth is part of it. The photophobia (eye pain from light) is part of it, and since his vision is not correctable with glasses is part of it.
I thought the same thing too at first, because his father is very fair. I'll see if I can find out for you what the process was. That's actually a good question.
there are white albinos, they just aren't as obvious since blond hair is so common and pale blue eyes and that looks similar to an albino sometimes, although they aren't.
You are exactly right! You explained it really well. However, as explained in the video, the proper term is people with albinism. Thank-you for your comment.
It also doesn't help in the distinguishing between a white person with albinism and a white person without it when people are being taught that white skin is a variant of albinism.
If that were the case then this kid would not exist the way he does because you can't have an albino of an albino.
The fact is that there are a lot more white people with 1 or 2 traits of albinism that aren't being seen as a person with albinism than we think.
I for instance have never seen a full albino person
Funny you should say that. I have never seen a perosn with few traits. My sister and I both have albinism, and we have whiter hair/blue eyes, nowhere near blonde. I also attended a school for the blind at which there were a few more people with albinism, with completely white hair.
It would be interesting to meet someone with less obvious features.
Is it acceptable to say that someone "has albinism" instead of saying s/he is a person with albinism? I think the former rolls off the tongue a bit better.
That was very interesting, as I knew little about the condition. Normal and abnormal are relative terms, as is the word 'special.' Besides his condition, 'Willie' needs to live as normal a life as possible, and explore his passion's. Love, is the most powerful force in the Universe! Embrace God's love for you, 'Willie!' Your condition is temporary, but God's Love and your soul are eternal! :c) God Bless!
You are so right about people who are accepting. Willie is lucky to be in a great school system where the children are very respectful and seem to truly care about each other.
Willie is a great kid who has a great personality. He seems to adapt to things very well, and it looks like he has a lot of friends. For sports wrestling may be a possibility if he wants to try a sport or weight training. I learned more about albinism from your videos. I am familiar with autism since my brother's 15 year old step-daughter is autistic, who is high functioning. More closed minded people need to be understanding that others are different in this world.
Yes, Willie is very fortunate to live in a small-knit community where there is the most support, but I think the majority of the support comes from loving parents. :)
It's weird how most movies that depict any form of Albinism seem to do so in a negative way. It bothers me quite a bit to think that I, as a person with Albinism, am being promoted and portrayed as some sort of evil entity.
Despite all the positive aspects of Albinism, and all the informational material that is available to the public, it's a bit hurtful so see how easily people fall more towards stereotypical assumptions, rather than relying on the facts.
In a short time, RP and I have become close friends, and as I was telling her in one my e-mails, I've herd things from: "Do you have special powers, like that guy in 'Powder'"? To: "Don't go near him, he's got some sort of disease you might catch...."
To some degree, all nasty comments hurt, and when a stereotypical assumption is reinstated by the mass media, it is a bit disappointing to see how some movie makers seem to cash in only on negative aspects.
I did a huge paper on albinism several years ago in grad school. I met a few kids with it at our local school for the visually impaired. Just normal kids, really. Can't seat them next to the window. Other than that, they're really like any other kid with visual problems.
ZarabethS179 11 months ago
Oh, I see, there are many different types - not just the type that causes you to loose all pigmentation . . . ;)
MissAshleyJClark 11 months ago
@crackerkiller187 no, thats not true.
wondergirlsy 1 year ago
@crackerkiller187
aaaahh nooo. This is an impairment of melanin. The average white person is not melanin impaired. You noticed how we have some color and we get tans? well some of us get tans.
theonlyzdog 1 year ago
@yestheskyISfalling
Sad for the eye and sun thing but I always thought they were awesome looking. Hey at least thats a plus.
theonlyzdog 1 year ago
@yestheskyISfalling Wow I wish more ppl were like u... ppl call me a freak on YouTube
HazelMusik 1 year ago
the eyes need pigment to see properly and with out it the eye can not function properly.Albinos have no pigment and that is why his eyes are effected.The eyes can not handle bright light or light for that matter with out pigment.
lilredhood27 1 year ago
@lilredhood27, Very good. You are correct and know about albinism. Do you know somebody who has it?
rattypajamas 1 year ago
@rattypajamas No I have never known anyone with it but,I love to read and love helping people,I try to learn all I can about something when I find it interesting or if I think I might be able to help someone or something in some way.I also have a rare disorder that is incurable.So I kinda know what it is like to have people never understand you or your pain you live with daily.I have a very big heart..
lilredhood27 1 year ago
hes so black.. i cant even see him
JOS3EMMANUEL 1 year ago
kid sure doesn't look like an albino, he looks normal. though im sure he does have eye trouble.
langolava 1 year ago
Isn't the condition where his eyes move back and forth called nystagmus? Like... because of the lack of pigment they have to... quiver, if you will-- to relay the image so it's viewable?
I read an article about it, but not everyone with albinism HAS nystagmus. Just usually the "quivering" is because of it.
xFreakshowDreams 1 year ago
@xFreakshowDreams, Yes. You are correct.
rattypajamas 1 year ago
@xFreakshowDreams Yeah it's called nystagmus... I have it- you can watch me in a video... ppl get freaked out by it
HazelMusik 1 year ago
Okay I have full blown albinism.. The question about the whole powder thing was kinda silly lol... I feel like this boy is also suffering from something else besides albinism. I would be more than happy to be friend anyone who is curious about the condition..
Smity1859 1 year ago
he's adorable....
scarypowers 1 year ago
he's a cute kid....
scarypowers 1 year ago
is he really black?
precisethoughts 1 year ago
@precisethoughts, no, he is white, but he has albinism so he doesn't see so well.
rattypajamas 1 year ago
POWDER IS A FAKE MOVIE WHERE A GUY WHO GOT STRUK BY LIGHTING & HE BE CAME ALBINO
24NICEBABE 1 year ago
his voice is sexy... sorr
JansRox 1 year ago
his voice is sexy... sorr
JansRox 1 year ago
Umm are albinos black ppl? A college professor said so.
BlackSkullz09 1 year ago
It's crushified!!!!
NastyAustin11 1 year ago
its hard to tell when a ehitr person has alinism but black people have alot more trouble
productofmontessori 2 years ago
i think that boy is white.i think he was just acting
henecy26 2 years ago 2
once I saw a talk show where a woman had Identical Quadruplets, which is rare enough, and they all had albinism. They were a black family so it was very obvious. The host asked them if they ever get asked if they are white. they all said "We tell everyone that we are albino black boys" those kids are probably teenagers now. They were soo cute, this vid reminds me of that
Professerzorak 2 years ago 2
@Professerzorak, That IS rare. It would have been interesting to have seen that show.
rattypajamas 2 years ago 3
This young man was wonderful to talk about his condition and experiences with us you tubers, its great for parents whose children have albinism and are not old enough yet to express themselves as well verbally about there experiences. So again Thank you!
seamusrua 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing! Both my Son (4) and Daughter (3) have albanism. My son's eye sight is much more effected then my daughters, both have nystagmus as well. They are both very happy and wonderful kids. Really if your gonna have a genetic condition one that makes you blonde and Blue eyed isn't as bad as some. They have a great out look so far in life. I think the biggest thing we try to teach them is self advocacy so they get the most out of the supports they have.
seamusrua 2 years ago
does albinism cause your eyes to move around? it kinda seems like he has ausberger's or something.. i mean i thought albinism was JUST pigment?
avagoode 2 years ago
@avagoode, It is more than just pigment - they also don't see as well as other people, and their eyes move back and forth.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
@rattypajamas Its because many people with albinism have astigmatism which makes their eyes involuntarily move back and forth
hazelmollygrey 1 year ago
I honestley didnt even know he had albinism he just looks like a white guy like me.
weechavy 2 years ago 20
he looks like a white person to me
lionheartodd 2 years ago 4
Yes, he IS a white person with albinism.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
yeah but he does not look like he has any sickness to me I wonder if this is the characteristics that originated blonde hair and blue eyes in europeans
lionheartodd 2 years ago
First of all albinism is not a sickness, maybe you should educate youself alittle more before you comment on something you don't know about!
Jewlie2380 2 years ago
Common error, just chill...
ScorpioFuror 2 years ago
First of all albinism is not a sickness, so before you make a comment about something maybe you should educate yourself on the subject first...
Jewlie2380 2 years ago
The word albinism refers to a group of inherited conditions. People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. They have inherited altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. One person in 17,000 in the U.S.A. has some type of albinism. Albinism affects people from all races. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds.
Layla109 2 years ago
And I'm ONE of 'em.
AdmiralArcher 2 years ago
People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. They have inherited altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. One person in 17,000 in the U.S.A. has some type of albinism. Albinism affects people from all races. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds.
Layla109 2 years ago
Not all albinos have to be blonde and blue eyed.
ScorpioFuror 2 years ago
i am so confused.
i thought albinsim just made you ver very white.
wha else is there?
hanna102connelly 2 years ago
Albinism also effects your eyesight.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
I am albin and i ahve all the same things wrong with me as him, i am only 13 but is ablino and Albinism the same thing!!!
JasmineForever100 2 years ago
Cool guy, I like his style! :)
ScorpioFuror 2 years ago
He is a little happy boy. Hopefully God will bless him and look after him afterall he is just like us perhaps he is better than us.
cbeecbeecbeecbee 2 years ago 2
I wish i was black.
Flashlight1996 2 years ago
Coolio
27riccioconroe 2 years ago
You know what, I may be wrong. Because you said that you knew nothing about albinism before you had a child. But still, it can be a form of genetics passing down for the hair darkening. I don't know why I am obsessed with the topic, I am just good with chemistry and genetics.
27riccioconroe 2 years ago
albinos and white people look alike.. He doesnt look albino at all
v1jan 2 years ago 4
Thats because white people are albinos and they have a genetically recessive gene, there is an absence of melanin. After generations of albinos reproducing there is the white collective. Its a genetically recessive trait, explains why there are only 8 % who classify themselves as whites in the world while 92% are non-white
mweldu 2 years ago
It's curious, he looks like a Scandinavian, he doesn't look that albino. I am of a similar pigmentation as him. Same hair color.
nothingspecialatall 2 years ago 2
He is mostly German, so he may have ended up looking pretty much the same, even if he hadn't had albinism. His hair has gotten even darker since this video was made. I have wondered myself.
He has been diagnosed with the condition.
There is still much I don't understand about albinism. Can anybody explain?
rattypajamas 2 years ago
It could be genetics. If I understand correctly from my Chemistry class, it takes two genes containing the albinism to produce a child that has albinism, right? But, if you have someone in the family, like way before, that did not have albinism, but had light hair to start with, and got darker over the years, its possible that the color changing it's tone of darkness within the hair passes down to the next child. OF course, I could be talking complete hooey, so I am not sure.
27riccioconroe 2 years ago
There are different forms of albinism and one form does present at birth as normal albinism, but the hair darkens over time. Check out the NOAH website, and look under the different types. You should see it there. =) I hope that helps.
Danigurl343 2 years ago
Are you albino, or your spouse?
ScorpioFuror 2 years ago
Neither of us have albinism, but we each are carriers.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
No offense, but this just makes me think that white people are perhaps some sort of Albinos.
AskariWaryaa 2 years ago 2
@AskariWaryaa Even red heads with their red hair and freckles??? How does that happen with no pigmentation in your skin or hair? ;)
MissAshleyJClark 11 months ago
I read an article about the sorry fate of albinos in Africa, considered as-magic by local sorcerers who have them kidnaped to be killed- they use their skins, skulls and bones as magic implements. I found Willie very intelligent and perspicacious. I loved his answer about teachers's indifference - "Not one bit!" This is the answer of someone who is most able to see and appreciate nice gestures or lack of it at school. Moving. You want to give him a hug.
belamoure 2 years ago
How interesting, I did not know a lot about albinism, you are blessed with a wonderful boy, and God Bless great parents too. Thank you for sharing with us silly bunch of ignorants.
belamoure 2 years ago
I know exactly what you mean. I knew nothing about it until I had a child with albinism. We are still learning.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
this is weird cuz way back in the day i played t ball with an albino dude and he always got hit in the face.. so when he sayed the sports thing i was like no way lol..
hurricanelogan 2 years ago
That IS funny!
rattypajamas 2 years ago
he says "normal people" theres nothing wrong with him. just because he has albinism doesnt set him away from anyone else. there really is no definition of normal any more. he no farther from normal then you, me, or anyone else. :)
hilarys01 2 years ago
Very wise-I totally agree with you, hilarys01.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
I agree. I like the way it looks.
rattypajamas 2 years ago
He's an intelligent kid, you've obviously done a good job raising him :)
It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between a White and Albino person, given that fair skinned and Auburn people also need to stay out of the sun, and experience hearing and vision difficulties, melanated eyes have better visual ascuity than blue and less pigmented eyes, and Blonde hair is also judged to be defective, so perhaps 'White' people have variants of Albinism, maybe it's not so 'rare' unofficially.
nationalwavelength 2 years ago
He's an intelligent kid, you've obviously done a good job raising him :)
It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between a White and Albino person, given that fair skinned and Auburn people also need to stay out of the sun, and experience hearing and vision difficulties, melanated eyes have better visual ascuity than blue and less pigmented eyes, and Blonde hair is also judged to be defective, so perhaps 'White' people have variants of Albinism, maybe it's not so 'rare' unofficially.
nationalwavelength 2 years ago
@nationalwavelength Some white ppl might have problems with their eyesight but most don't. I have blue eyes & theirs never been anything wrong with my eyesight & how can you have brown or red hair and freckles, if you've no pigmentation? I don't know that much about Albonism, & you might think some white ppl look similar, but I think theres a bit more to it than just being white, white ppl don't lack pigmentaton unless they have albonism . . . ;)
MissAshleyJClark 11 months ago
oh and he also reminds me of my brother when he was younger
he was so nice back then but now he is a jerk
jaimelhiver 3 years ago
I'm sorry. Your brother must have gone through a lot.
How have you dealt with people?
I find it is easier to try to educate them if they are curious.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
whats wrong with being albino?
people are so mean
they are just the same as us just different type of skin
he is exactly like any other boy
people are so mean !
jaimelhiver 3 years ago 2
I agree! I love the way it looks. I just feel bad that he doesn't see as well as other people.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Why don't they have that creature locked up?? It hasn't bitten anybody yet? that thing is pretty well trained for an albino. Hopefully the put a muzzle on that thing when they take it for a walk though. Odd little creature all the none, good vid
BOSSALINE416 3 years ago
Boy i hope your not white because reading up on white people shows that they are mutated albinos. I have mixed ansestry like most African Americans so im not being ignorant but this seems to be true correct me if im wrong.
Antwansuperstar88 3 years ago
I have heard no such information about mutated genes correlating with predominately-white raced people. I believe most people are of mixed ancestry. Does anybody really know if they are truly 100% white?
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Most people have a few mutated genes somewhere in their ancestral lineage. Willies ophthalmologist informed us that a few types of albinism ARE mutations. There is another variety of albinism that the mother passes on to her sons. The type of albinism that Willie has is caused when the mother and father each carry a recessive gene for albinism. This type of albinism might span several generations without anybody knowing that the family is carrying this gene.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
@Antwansuperstar88 Don't worry, i'm white and i'm definatly not an Albino . . . ;)
MissAshleyJClark 11 months ago
Why don't they have that creature locked up?? It hasn't bitten anybody yet? that thing is pretty well trained for an albino. Hopefully the put a muzzle on that thing when they take it for a walk though. Odd little creature all the none, good vid
BOSSALINE416 3 years ago
Wow hes so cool!!!
Shes asking stupid questions.
bubblez101234 3 years ago 3
You are right. He IS cool.
Most of these questions are questions that we have actually been asked, so I thought Willie could answer these questions on Youtube. It is amazing, some of the things that people dont know, but we all have to start out somewhere.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
bubblez101234 he is cool....
HotRoastedNuts 3 years ago
What a sweet dear! God bless you for sharing your story. Willie you are an inspiration to many others. You are an incredible person.
Thank you!
doglover001 3 years ago 2
Yes, he is amazing. I feel lucky to have a child like him.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
wow i thaught it was a joke but really feel sorry for him though..,,god bless ya willie!
xamRedhead 3 years ago
I have albinism too! But my hair is lighter than Willie's. Honestly though, if someone asked me those questions, I would have very similar answers. Except when he was talking about not wearing glasses. I've had 2 eye surgeries and I wear glasses. Fortunately, my vision (with glasses) is just good enough to be able to drive with a very restricted license. By the way, sunblock is a very big deal for me too.
drifty300 3 years ago
Wow! Thanks for that information! Surgery? How interesting. I never knew about a surgery. Did the surgery stop the nystagmus or did it improve your eyesight?
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Both surgeries dampened (reduced) the nystagmus, it's still there and will probably never go away. I had the first surgery done when I was about a year old, and that's the one that had a major impact on my eyesight. So for many years after that operation, my sight was improving little by little. However, there hasn't been any change in the past couple years. I still have to wear glasses with a very strong prescription. I had the 2nd operation last year, which didn't do too much for me.
drifty300 3 years ago
I enjoyed your SSB Tournaments video. you have a wonderful sense of humor. Is the other girl in the video your sister? She reminds me of Willie's sister.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
hes awesome
Paige13035 3 years ago
lol hes so cool!!
jaynabeotch 3 years ago
Thanks. I really enjoyed your transformation video. You look attractive in both styles, though. Your friend Shae looks like she could be your sister!
rattypajamas 3 years ago
German boy
crish4ck3r 3 years ago
Yes, even his last name is a German name.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
he's cute :)
branflakes0909 3 years ago
Thank-you. We think so too.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
I just wanted to point out that albinism is an eye condition. The way I understand is that a person can have brown hair and brown eyes and still have albinism. It depends. Which type of albinism a person has will determine whether it involves the hair, skin, or just the eyes.
Corrections or explanations, anyone?
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Wrong.
It's when someone has no pigment (colour) anywhere on their body.
Hair and skin are white and their pupils are a pink-ish colour. They do have trouble seeing, but they are totally normal people, mentally and physically.
xoxJB 3 years ago
he is not diferent
trilerkiler 3 years ago
that would be awsome id love to hear from him hes cute
freacls 3 years ago
I have a question i would love to get the answer... How does a person with albinism burn? Like, what happens?
blackguitar999 3 years ago
If you mean sunburn... It can be bad. I myself have albinism and I live in a relatively cold country and 15 minutes in the sun in septeber (20 degrees celcius lets say, on a good day)and I would get burned. Severe burning, like forgetting to put on sun lotion, can lead to fierce swelling and blisters, so it's really important to be careful. Tanning is absolutely never going to happen lol
Melphira 3 years ago
That is what happened to "Willie" when he was a baby. We only walked about two blocks to get his brother from preschool, and by the time we got back home again, his little legs had sunburned.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
@blackguitar999 Without suncream, badly i'd imagine, with no prospects of even a tan after it . . . ;)
MissAshleyJClark 11 months ago
wow. kid looks nut'n like an albino. His hair looks like light brown. Although.... he is rather pale.
saysotalka1 3 years ago
Is it just me or is the interviewer trying to make him look stupid? But he puts it right back on her, lol: Q - "What do you have in common with them?" A - "Albinism"
I've only ever known one albino, he was a graduate student in Computer Science working on his Ph. D...
tdmccon 3 years ago
What we were TRYING to do was answer questions that some OTHER people have about albinism. I am the interviewer and also his mother, so I already knew the answers.
Yes, he puts it right back on me. That was one of his subtle comebacks. He is quite witty and this is actually his third year in the talented and gifted program at school.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
When I asked what he had in common, I was expecting him to tell that they all had challenges with their vision, or more specific things like the light hurting their eyes.
Thank-you so much for your comment. I am always glad to hear about other people like Willie who excel in life. What school did your friend attend? Willie and his friends might want to check out that school.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
He went to Bradley University in Peoria, IL.
However, I think your son will excel in college no matter what school he attends, if he is going to go for a degree in one of the "hard science" fields like computer science, engineering, physics, etc.
It's been my experience that faculty and students of these programs couldn't care less what you look like. They respect you for what is inside your skull, not outside :-)
tdmccon 3 years ago
hes still cute
freacls 3 years ago
I bet I know why his eyes move back and forth. Melanin conducts movement, light, energy. I just heard about some eye drops that increase melanin in the eyes. I wonder if that would help. I wonder if he'd be more prone to Parkinson's.
I'd be curious to know how well this boy sleeps.
fancifelle 3 years ago
You've raised some important questions. That would be wonderful if drops could help this.
His sleeping habits seem normal, but his eyes do get tired.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
i have albinism to, this kid is pretty cool...since i'm the only person at my school witht he condition its really intresting to see someoen with the same conditions as me, but were just like regular people, i have a ton of friends and do alls orts of regual activities
bluewear12 3 years ago
How interesting! I'll bet you two could fill a book with unique experiences.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
one of my best friends has the condition too iv known her since nuseyor kindergarten were both 18 and still close friends
freacls 3 years ago
whats the kid's real race?
SayWalah 3 years ago
He is white. Mostly German, some French, some Scottish.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
so how do you know the problem is albanism, if hes german anyway?
its probably just an eye condition..
SayWalah 3 years ago
I'm not exactly sure how. They did many tests, and I'm not sure which one actually confirmed the diagnoses, but there are different signs that indicate it. The way his eyes move back and forth is part of it. The photophobia (eye pain from light) is part of it, and since his vision is not correctable with glasses is part of it.
I thought the same thing too at first, because his father is very fair. I'll see if I can find out for you what the process was. That's actually a good question.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
I believe it is called an electroretinogram test. Something like checking to see if light makes the brain waves react in a certain way.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Wow! REALLY!
That must be it, we're all German. If any someone would have told us before.
Anyone in any race can have Albinism.
Sad.
rudyiking 3 years ago
there are white albinos, they just aren't as obvious since blond hair is so common and pale blue eyes and that looks similar to an albino sometimes, although they aren't.
ultimatetalesfan19 3 years ago 2
You are exactly right! You explained it really well. However, as explained in the video, the proper term is people with albinism. Thank-you for your comment.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
It also doesn't help in the distinguishing between a white person with albinism and a white person without it when people are being taught that white skin is a variant of albinism.
If that were the case then this kid would not exist the way he does because you can't have an albino of an albino.
The fact is that there are a lot more white people with 1 or 2 traits of albinism that aren't being seen as a person with albinism than we think.
I for instance have never seen a full albino person
ultimatetalesfan19 3 years ago
Funny you should say that. I have never seen a perosn with few traits. My sister and I both have albinism, and we have whiter hair/blue eyes, nowhere near blonde. I also attended a school for the blind at which there were a few more people with albinism, with completely white hair.
It would be interesting to meet someone with less obvious features.
Melphira 3 years ago
Is it acceptable to say that someone "has albinism" instead of saying s/he is a person with albinism? I think the former rolls off the tongue a bit better.
Violinstef 3 years ago
he sounds American i think hes from the states
freacls 3 years ago
Yes, you are correct. He is from the U.S.A. Very good! He mostly spends his time on Facebook and Youtube.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
who is he i mean whats his users name id like to say hi to him hes cute
freacls 3 years ago
Very interesting, Willie is a nice kid. Funny too. (and flexable!!)
riverblauw 3 years ago
Yes, we get so much enjoyment from him. He's truly great.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
this girl at my school has it.
shes got as many friends as anyone else
except she does gymnastics so always has a broken bone =P
mikeson67 3 years ago
How interesting! It is an inspiration to hear about other people who have it and are doing well in life.
Thank-you so much for sharing that.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
that women is a very intrusive id tell her off
sxcolexs 3 years ago
See what the poor boy has to put up with?
rattypajamas 3 years ago
That was very interesting, as I knew little about the condition. Normal and abnormal are relative terms, as is the word 'special.' Besides his condition, 'Willie' needs to live as normal a life as possible, and explore his passion's. Love, is the most powerful force in the Universe! Embrace God's love for you, 'Willie!' Your condition is temporary, but God's Love and your soul are eternal! :c) God Bless!
ginmillsinger 3 years ago
Thank-you for your comment. Willie has lots of love and a strong belief in God too. You can see portions of his baptism on youtube as well.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
You are so right about people who are accepting. Willie is lucky to be in a great school system where the children are very respectful and seem to truly care about each other.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Willie is a great kid who has a great personality. He seems to adapt to things very well, and it looks like he has a lot of friends. For sports wrestling may be a possibility if he wants to try a sport or weight training. I learned more about albinism from your videos. I am familiar with autism since my brother's 15 year old step-daughter is autistic, who is high functioning. More closed minded people need to be understanding that others are different in this world.
robtrnj 3 years ago
Willie has low vision; He can see, but not very well.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
are u blind
mrdavid889 3 years ago
Hi WillieWillieWillie :D
LuminolBlue 3 years ago
You are absolutely right. I can't think of any movies that portray it in a positive light.
Luckily, this child lives in a wonderful community where people are supportive.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Yes, Willie is very fortunate to live in a small-knit community where there is the most support, but I think the majority of the support comes from loving parents. :)
-Am
LuminolBlue 3 years ago
It's weird how most movies that depict any form of Albinism seem to do so in a negative way. It bothers me quite a bit to think that I, as a person with Albinism, am being promoted and portrayed as some sort of evil entity.
Despite all the positive aspects of Albinism, and all the informational material that is available to the public, it's a bit hurtful so see how easily people fall more towards stereotypical assumptions, rather than relying on the facts.
Regards,
Am
LuminolBlue 3 years ago
In a short time, RP and I have become close friends, and as I was telling her in one my e-mails, I've herd things from: "Do you have special powers, like that guy in 'Powder'"? To: "Don't go near him, he's got some sort of disease you might catch...."
To some degree, all nasty comments hurt, and when a stereotypical assumption is reinstated by the mass media, it is a bit disappointing to see how some movie makers seem to cash in only on negative aspects.
Regards,
Am
LuminolBlue 3 years ago
Yes, it was very far fetched.
rattypajamas 3 years ago
Man, don't even get my started on that movie!
rudyiking 3 years ago
Awesome! I love it, RP... Nicely done, "Willie"! You rock, bro! :D
Guess what??? I have albinism, too... :-)
Regards,
Am
LuminolBlue 3 years ago
And the can crushing was awesome, too!!! Holy cowZA! :D
LuminolBlue 3 years ago