Photographer Judith Nwokocha thought that she hand been handed the wrong baby after giving birth to twins four years ago. The reason being that while Judith is a black woman, one of her babies was extremely light-skinned.
She and her husband had been trying to conceive for eight years, but after receiving help through IVF treatment, she was delighted to hear that they were having twins. The pregnancy was not without scares though, as it was at one point suggested that the children may have Down Syndrome.
While the babies arrived without the condition, the girl, Kachi had albinism. Albinism means that the individual has a melanin deficiency and, they therefore, have very little colour in their skin, eyes or hair. Those with albinism are known as Albinos.
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On seeing Kachi at first, Judith said:
"I was shocked. I thought they had handed me somebody else's baby, I didn't believe she was mine."
Kachi and her brother Kamsi are now very healthy and happy four year olds and we can see from Judith's pictures that they are absolutely delightful. They are inseparable and are most certainly each other's best friend.
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Judith, who wrote an essay for the blog 'Love What Matters' stated her surprise at Kamsi's condition, and that she feared she would suffer bullying or prejudice as a result of her albinism. She wrote:
"I loved my princess like every mother would love her baby but worried about her condition. Gradually, worry turned to sadness and I started questioning God, wondering why He would put me in such a situation. I worried about her future, how society would treat her, how she'll be accepted, etc. I envied other black babies and thought, 'Why me? Why was I the one to have an albino baby?' How did I get black and white twins?"
She added:
"I always tell her how beautiful she is, because she really is. I wouldn't trade her condition for a million dollars because she's perfect to me in every way. Albinism may have its challenges but I'm teaching her to be strong and conquer whatever may come her way. I'm showcasing the beauty in albinism by constantly taking pictures of her and twin brother. I'm not sure she's aware of her uniqueness at the moment, but eventually she'll know, and it's my responsibility to educate her and teach her to love herself no matter what."
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Albinos face prejudice in certain parts of Africa where they are discriminated against because of a believed link to witchcraft. It has even been reported that they have been killed, simply because people fear their condition.
It is great to know that the whole family is growing up healthy in a loving home and we are sure both twins will reach for the stars as they get older.
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