Colin Farrell, the well-known actor, has opened up about a deeply personal decision regarding the future of his adult son, James.
On Friday, Colin revealed that he plans to place James in a long-term care facility, providing insight into his son’s condition and the challenges that come with it.
A Private Family Life and the Struggles with Misdiagnosis
Farrell, who has famously kept his family life private, has gradually become more open about his son’s condition.
James, now 21, was initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy before doctors confirmed he has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and leads to severe physical and intellectual disabilities.
James was diagnosed with this condition after a long journey of medical uncertainty.
His diagnosis came only after doctors ruled out other conditions, including cerebral palsy, a common misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms.
A Father’s Unwavering Commitment
Despite his earlier reputation as a Hollywood “bad boy,” Colin has turned his life around and become a devoted father.
He and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave share James, and they’ve maintained a strong co-parenting relationship over the years.
Colin has often spoken about how fatherhood helped him stay sober, crediting his son as the driving force behind his decision to seek help and change his lifestyle in 2006.
Farrell’s commitment to his children extends beyond just providing for them financially.
He’s been an active part of their lives, attending premieres, Oscar events, and making public declarations of love for his sons.
At the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, he referred to James and his younger son Henry as the “loves of his life.”
The Decision to Find Long-Term Care
As Colin discussed with Candis Magazine, he and Kim have now made the difficult decision to place James in a long-term care facility.
While this is a heartbreaking choice, Colin explained that it was necessary for James’ well-being. “It’s tricky,” Farrell acknowledged.
“Some parents will say, ‘I want to take care of my child myself.’ And I respect that.
But my horror would be… What if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash?”
Colin’s fear is that if something were to happen to them unexpectedly, James could end up in the care of the state, without anyone to ensure his well-being.
The couple is now actively looking for a place where James can live in a supportive environment, surrounded by a community, while they are still able to visit him.
Looking Toward the Future: The Colin Farrell Foundation
In addition to personal struggles, Colin has channeled his experiences into advocacy work.
He launched the Colin Farrell Foundation in California, with the aim of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and raising awareness about Angelman syndrome.
The foundation focuses on providing education and support for those with similar conditions and advocating for better care options.
Colin hopes to expand the foundation across the U.S. and eventually bring it to Ireland, his home country.
“This is the first time I’ve spoken about it,” he said, “and the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this.”
James’ Journey and the Challenges of Angelman Syndrome
Angelman syndrome, which James was diagnosed with at a young age, causes developmental delays, difficulty with motor skills, and intellectual disability.
For Colin, witnessing his son struggle with these challenges has been both heartbreaking and inspirational.
He recalls James’ determination to walk, despite his condition, and how those moments of progress filled him with pride.
James’ first steps were a significant milestone in both his life and Colin’s.
The actor recalled the profound moment when James took his first steps at nearly four years old, a memory that still brings tears to his eyes.
Living with Angelman Syndrome: A Family’s Struggles and Triumphs
Angelman syndrome, which causes frequent laughter, a love for water, and difficulties with speech and movement, has significantly impacted James’ daily life.
While he remains nonverbal and requires a caregiver for daily activities, James has shown incredible perseverance.
Colin describes him as “magic,” emphasizing how hard his son has worked to achieve even the smallest milestones.
Colin also shared that James hasn’t had a breakthrough seizure in over a decade, though the family has faced many challenges in managing the condition, including finding the right treatment for his seizures.
Despite the struggles, Colin remains deeply proud of his son, saying, “I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.”
The Emotional and Practical Realities of Parenting a Child with Special Needs
Colin’s openness about his son’s journey with Angelman syndrome offers a rare and insightful look into the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.
The decision to place James in a long-term care facility is a reflection of the practical realities many families face when caring for a child with severe disabilities.
Despite the emotional weight of the decision, Colin is determined to ensure James’ future is filled with love, support, and the possibility of a fulfilling life.
By sharing his story, Colin hopes to raise awareness for families navigating similar challenges and to advocate for more compassionate care options for individuals with intellectual disabilities.