Expectant couples feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their baby. Finding out that you are pregnant with twins adds an extra layer of both excitement and stress. This was certainly the case for Argentine couple Jorge Gomez and his wife, who were thrilled to learn that they were expecting twin girls in 2018.
Despite the potential dangers of carrying and giving birth to two children, Mrs. Gomez had a normal pregnancy. The couple made sure to visit the doctor regularly for check-ups to ensure that everything was going smoothly. However, their excitement was soon compounded by an unexpected surprise.
The two girls arrived 36 weeks early, but were in good condition despite their premature birth. However, their healthy weight was not the biggest surprise – Catalina and Virginia emerged with snow-white hair and did not look like their parents. They were born with albinism, a rare genetic condition that causes a lack of color in the skin. In the United States, only one in 17,000 newborns are born with albinism, which typically runs in families, and both parents must carry the gene for most forms of the condition.
Despite the unexpected news, the Gomez family felt blessed and overjoyed by their new arrival. They became the first set of albino twins born in Argentina, and their unique genetic condition garnered worldwide attention. However, the twins also brought additional security concerns that needed to be addressed, such as the need for extra sun protection due to their heightened sensitivity to UV rays.
Now four years old, Catalina and Virginia continue to grow and thrive. Their unique story has shed light on the beauty of albino individuals, and in December 2021, the girls appeared in outfits designed by a close family friend. The Gomez family hopes that their story can serve as a reminder that every child, regardless of their genetic makeup, deserves to be valued and appreciated.