Colin Farrell is making a heartfelt decision regarding his 21-year-old son, James Padraig Farrell, who has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that significantly affects his mobility and cognitive abilities. In a recent interview with Candis Magazine, the actor explained his plans to find a long-term care facility for James, emphasizing the importance of ensuring his son enjoys a "full and happy life" that includes a sense of community.
Angelman syndrome is known for causing severe physical and learning disabilities, and Colin has been candid about the challenges that come with raising a child with this condition. He shared that his son was initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy before doctors confirmed the correct diagnosis when James was around two and a half years old. Colin recalled that James missed key developmental milestones as a baby, such as sitting up and crawling, which prompted medical evaluations.
Colin, who is now 48, expressed his fears about what might happen to James if he and his ex-girlfriend, Kim Bordenave, were to die unexpectedly. "It’s tricky; 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 and she’s taken too – and then James is on his own? Then he’s a ward of the state and he goes where? We’d have no say in it," he said.
Colin's desire to find a suitable place for James is not just about security; it’s also about giving him the opportunity to thrive. "We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected. He needs a bigger life than we can afford him, by having a sense of community that he feels connected to, by going out in the van every day and going to the supermarket and doing the shopping together, by going to the beach, museums, movies, all that stuff. Just a connected life," he added.
In 2021, Colin and Kim filed for conservatorship of James to manage his personal needs and medical decisions, including education and healthcare. This move was crucial as James transitioned into adulthood, where many of the supports available to children with disabilities are no longer accessible. Colin highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for James, especially as he faces the realities of adulthood.
Colin's commitment to advocacy for individuals with disabilities is further demonstrated through the establishment of the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to support adults with intellectual disabilities through education, awareness, and innovative programs. He was inspired by the late Hollywood actor Paul Newman, who founded the Hole In The Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses. Colin stated, "I obviously have a certain amount of means, having had a career in film for 20-plus years now. And we still struggle in finding the support that James deserves and should rightfully have."
Reflecting on his journey as a father, Colin has often shared the profound impact James has had on his life. He credits his son with helping him to achieve sobriety, stating, "Part of the fuel that I used to get off alcohol and drugs... was knowing he had health issues. All children need their parents — or a parent or grandparent or somebody — to care for them." This sentiment underscores the deep bond between father and son, as well as Colin's determination to provide James with the best quality of life possible.
Colin's journey with James has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. He recalls the overwhelming joy of seeing James take his first steps just before his fourth birthday, a milestone that brought him to tears. "It was so profound. It was magic. I’ll never forget just the face of determination on him as he walked toward me. He took, like, six steps, and I burst into tears," he reminisced.
As he navigates the complexities of James’s condition, Colin has also made it a point to share the importance of kindness and respect for individuals with disabilities. He has called on the world to treat his son and others like him with compassion, stating, "I want the world to be kind to James. I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic."
Colin continues to advocate for those with disabilities, using his platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families like his. He acknowledges the fear, frustration, and pain that many parents endure while caring for children with special needs. His openness about his experiences serves not only to inform but also to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.
As Colin Farrell prepares to secure a long-term care solution for James, he remains committed to ensuring his son has the opportunities he needs to thrive. The journey ahead may be uncertain, but Colin's love and dedication to his son shine brightly as he navigates this difficult yet necessary transition.
