Join us for an intimate look into the life of Charise Johnson, a vibrant young African-American woman with a 10-year-old son and a busy life. When you first see her you can tell right away she’s different. Charise has Albinism. And when you get to know her you will discover she really is different and there’s nothing wrong with that.

In 1974, when Charise was born, a childhood free of major health problems is not what life had in store for her. At the age of nine she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. By the time Charise became an adult, she'd had several surgeries, a temporary ostomy bag, and ultimately had her large intestines removed entirely; after which she developed Crohn's disease. Arthritis has left her in need of knee replacements and a lifetime of damage to her skin from the sun has lead to re-occurring skin cancers.

Our side of joy offers a portrait of the family dynamics of a Cuban family through the eyes of identical twins, Michelle(McCray) and Marlene Tamayo. Their story offers an in depth look into the unique bond between sisters, siblings, parents, kids, and significant others. What kind of relationship do these sisters have? Where do they see their relationship in the future? In what ways do the twins touch the lives of their siblings and vice versa? What role did their close relationship to their siblings and parents play in their emotional health?