Coping - Its not as bad as it first seems!

For anyone who does not know much about albinism or has not had the opportunity to learn about how people with albinism can lead wonderful, fulfilling lives and function very well despite their condition, albinism can seem to be a devastating thing for their child to be diagnosed with.

With the right attitude, support, information and understanding albinism can become much less of a frightening and despairing prospect.

In the section 'Our Story' I have written about our experiences and thoughts as well as whatever else I have learned that might aid someone else who finds themselves in the same situation - being told their baby has albinism and not knowing very much, if anything, about what that really is or what to expect because of it.

I have covered everything from the very first day Alana was born and it was suspected she had albinism. I have included my feelings and attitude tips which I think go a long way in helping to accept, adapt to and learn to thrive WITH albinism. There are helpful ideas, support sources and a somewhat humourous section about 'Dumb Things People Say' which I think everyone with albinism in their family can relate to.

In the section 'Alana' I will record details of Alana's development for other parents of babies with albinism so that they may see how much improvement in vision still occurs as babies develop and that normal developmental milestones and issues are unaffected by albinism. This should give newly diagnosed parents some reassurance that the future for their child is still very bright and that their child's albinism is something that they can not only cope with but will adapt to (just as their child will).