When Colin Farrell’s son James was born in 2003, he had no idea what his fatherhood journey would look like. Colin, 48, shares James with his ex-girlfriend, Kim Bordenave. When he was just 2 ½ years old, the family received a devastating blow. Doctors diagnosed James with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that left his son nonverbal and in need of significant care.
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While James can’t speak to his father, he certainly lets Colin know he loves him, and the feeling is mutual. Colin spoke with People for the first time about his son’s diagnosis. He hopes to raise awareness for Angelman syndrome and adult children with special needs.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Colin explained. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”
Colin Farrell Started His Own Foundation To Help
The actor recently launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, which will support adult children with intellectual disabilities, People reported. “This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” he said.
The proud father added that James motivates him for everything. He wants all people like him to have advocacy and support.
“For years wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve, basically the assistance in all areas of life,” he said of his foundation.
You can learn more about The Colin Farrell Foundation here.
This story’s featured image is by Lev Radin via Shutterstock.
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