By Myra Bean

Thursday, June 13 was National Albinism Awareness Day. Ava Brown, 3, was diagnosed when she was born. Her parents, Amber and Terrance, receive lots of support from family, co-workers, and friends and many bought T-shirts that read “All for Ava” in honor of the day.

Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects vision and skin pigmentation, Amber Brown said. Most are born with little to no melanin, a natural substance in the body that gives color to hair, skin, and iris of the eye.

Since Ava was born Amber has been an advocate for getting out information about the condition. She was told when Ava was born that she would be blind. She started researching and working with her to focus.

A portion of the sales of the T-shirts are donated to an albinism group of Amber’s choice.

Little Ava does wear prescription glasses, but doesn’t have to wear them at all times. It is the source of a little contention between mom and daughter many mornings to convince Ava to wear them, Amber said.

Members of the Jesus Loves Me Daycare where Ava attends daycare also bought T-shirts in honor of Ava. “We have lots of supporters,” her mother said.

There is one other person about Amber’s age in Panola County that is known to have albinism, her parents said.

Cutline:   Friends and family of Ava Brown celebrated National Albinism Awareness Day last week. Her mother, Amber Shegog-Brown, (second from right) and grandmother, Margaret Cosby, (far right) were joined by family and co-workers at the Panola County Courthouse in Batesville wearing the T-shirts that were sold for the event. (Myra Bean)