Albinism mum speaks out

A Braco mother has spoken of her determination to ensure her young daughter’s life is not held back by her diagnosis of albinism.

Sixteen-month-old Aarya Nixon was diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinimism at just 10 weeks old.

It confirmed what parents Gillian Elliiot and Ross Nixon had believed after noticing her striking white hair.

Tuesday this week marked International Albinism Day and mum Gillian used the day to dispel some of the myths surrounding the diagnosis.

The mum of three said:“Very few people in our lives knew anything about albinism and many more were aware of the myths that surround it than the accurate details of the condition.

“We very quickly adopted the mindset that we wouldn’t let Aarya’s albinism hold her back in life.

“In fact, we quickly learned to embrace how unique it has made her.”

Ms Elliot said myths and misunderstandings leave people believing that those with the condition have red eyes. Aarya has blue eyes

and restricted sight.

In other cases the lack of pigment can let light shine through the retina and highlight the blood vessels, giving the eyes a red appearance.

Albinism is a genetic condition which is caused by a lack of melanin in the body. It can affect the eyes, hair and skin.

The condition leaves individuals more vulnerable to the sun’s rays and has been associated with a higher risk of skin cancer.

Aarya has to have factor 50+ sun screen applied daily between April and October to protect her.