10 Photos Of People Who Drew Wild Cards In The Genetic Lottery

We have all seen people with unique physical traits, whether it’s an atypical birthmark or unusually shaped ears. More often than not, these are due to special conditions that highlight the intricacy of the human body.

The photos you’re about to see are from people who drew wild cards in the genetic lottery. They view the world differently from the rest of “normal” society, making their cases all the more fascinating. 

But what’s more noteworthy is how these people embrace their eccentricities instead of viewing them as an abnormality to be ashamed of. After all, having foldable tongues and a sixth toe on the right foot are excellent conversation starters. 

This is a new set of photos continuing from the series Pictolic previously published.

10 PHOTOS

#1 My Little Girl Was Born With Albinism, And She Is So Beautiful

#2 Stunning Blue Eyes. A Girl With Waardenburg Syndrome

I am a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. I live in the same village as this girl named Suru. Along with the beautiful eyes, she is completely deaf and has a patch of white skin on her right hand.

#3 My Little Brother And Me, Both With Heterochromia

#4 Calling For All Fellow Vitiligo Owners - You Need To Start Embracing The Unique Beauty Of Our Condition. Don't Let Your Life Suffer When Others Have No Choice In The Matter. Keep Smiling

Experts say the most common genetic disorders result from DNA mutations in genes inherited from our parents. They classify these issues as chromosomal, complex (a.k.a. multifactorial), and single-gene (a.k.a. monogenic). 

Chromosomal disorders target the structures that hold genes within each cell. Some prime examples are Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and Klinefelter syndrome, in which assigned males at birth have an extra X chromosome. 

Complex/multifactorial genetic disorders are a byproduct of gene mutations from environmental factors such as chemical exposure, as well as the use of substances like tobacco and alcohol. Arthritis, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and migraines fall under this category. 

As the name suggests, monogenic disorders result from a mutation in one gene. Some examples are sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, congenital deafness, and muscular dystrophy.

#5 My Son's Birthmark Gives Him The Best Hairstyle

#6 Just Because You Look A Little Different, Doesn't Mean You Have To Look Like The People Mostly Shown In Media

In elementary school, I was made fun of for my birthmark. I got called Pizza Face, Tomato Face, and other harmful names. So I tried to laser it away to make my appearance more comfortable for other people to look at, so I was less of a target. I’m forever grateful that the laser never ended up working. I wear my birthmark proudly. It makes me me.

#7 My Son Was Born With Elf Ears

#8 My Vitiligo Hair. The White Hair Contains No Pigment

However, there are much more special cases, like Marfan syndrome. On the surface, it looks like a person with a lanky frame and a narrow facial structure. However, it is a result of a severe, incurable chronic disorder. 

Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissues, causing the people stricken with it to have unusually long limbs. While it may seem harmless, this condition may cause life-threatening issues like aortic aneurysms because it also affects the heart and blood vessels. 

Doctors usually prescribe blood pressure medications to patients with Marfan syndrome to alleviate the pressure on the aorta. In some cases, people with this condition must undergo preventive surgery.

#9 My Son Was Born With An Extra Thumb

#10 Born With Blue Eyes, But They Changed Into 3 Colors As I Aged