When Ashley Grigg, 36, from Dallas, Texas, gave birth to her fourth child, KD, in 2009, she was shocked. KD was born with pure white skin, white hair, and red eyes, traits linked to albinism, a genetic condition affecting melanin production. Initially, Ashley thought she had been handed the wrong baby and struggled to bond with her newborn son. A day after his birth, doctors informed her that KD had albinism, a diagnosis that would later apply to her second daughter, TT, born in 2012.
Ashley, an influencer, shared her experience, describing the initial shock. “I didn’t know the whole time I was pregnant—it was a complete shock. Me and dad are African American, and KD was born with snow-white skin, pink eyes, and blonde hair,” she recalled. “I thought the hospital gave me the wrong baby.” She admitted that it took several months to come to terms with KD’s condition and what it meant for their lives. Initially, Ashley distanced herself, struggling to bond. “I refused to interact with the baby,” she said. “One day, he was crying in his crib, and he started smiling at me—from that moment, we bonded”, according to the Mirror.
When Ashley gave birth to TT, also diagnosed with albinism, it felt like a blessing. KD and TT, now teenagers, both face challenges, including legal blindness and bullying due to their condition. “It wasn’t a shock this time around. It was a blessing because my son wasn’t alone,” Ashley shared. “That is a different type of bond. That is rare, and it healed me in so many ways. KD and TT are so close, and I believe it is because they have the same condition.”
Both KD and TT have faced bullying at school, where classmates often make hurtful comments about their appearance. Ashley explained, “People will tell them they aren’t Black or that they’re adopted. It makes me sad because there is nothing I can do. I have to push through it for them.” Reflecting on her own challenges, Ashley shared an emotional moment when TT asked why her skin didn’t match her mother’s. “That was very hard,” Ashley said. “Being born different is something that nobody can ever compare—it makes you more unique.”
Ashley takes comfort in knowing her children have each other for support. “I thank god that TT was also born with albinism because it means they are not alone,” she said. Today, Ashley is grateful for the unique bond her children share, as they navigate life together, embracing their identity and living their truth.