In a profound family decision, actor Colin Farrell has announced that his 21-year-old son James, who suffers from Angelman syndrome, will be placed in a long-term care facility.
According to the Daily Mail, this move, orchestrated jointly with his ex, Kim Bordenave, aims for James's sustained care and integration into a supportive community.
James Farrell, who was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, faced a revised diagnosis in his early years after symptoms were more accurately attributed to Angelman syndrome. This rare genetic condition affects the nervous system and includes symptoms like intellectual and developmental disabilities. The news was shared by his father, Colin, on Friday.
Colin Farrell and Kim Bordenave, who were in a relationship from 2001 until 2003, have taken significant steps to ensure their son's well-being. Recognizing James's need for specialized care, they obtained a conservatorship shortly before he turned 18, indicating James's dependency in managing daily activities.
The diagnosis came when Colin noticed his son was not hitting developmental milestones. "He wasn't crawling," Colin explained, detailing the challenging journey toward an accurate understanding of James's condition, which profoundly affected the family.
Understanding James's medical condition was crucial for Colin and Kim, who were informed by doctors that, unlike cerebral palsy, Angelman syndrome did not affect life expectancy or involve physical pain, providing a relatively positive outlook on their son's condition.
James's physical and intellectual challenges include being nonverbal and requiring constant care from a live-in caregiver, emphasizing the substantial care and oversight involved in his daily life.
Farrell's dedication to his family is evident through both his professional and personal commitments. Father to another son, Henry, with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, Farrell has actively involved himself in his children's lives, often highlighting them in public speeches and significant career moments.
Recently, he founded the Colin Farrell Foundation in California. The foundation supports adult children with intellectual disabilities and works toward enhancing education and advocacy programs. Paula Evans, a notable figure in advocacy for neurological conditions, has joined him to lead this initiative.
Expressing his philosophy on handling his son's needs, Colin shared, "I don't want to minimize the trials many families undergo. It's crucial to feel that you're not alone in this." This empathetic viewpoint shapes the ethos behind both his personal decisions and his advocacy efforts.
Discussing the intricate decision of long-term care, Colin expressed his concerns to Candis Magazine, "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?" His fears underscore the precariousness of relying solely on family for lifelong care.
Colin credits his sobriety as foundational in being a supportive father, particularly for a child with such demanding needs. "If it wasn't for my sobriety, I wouldn't be able to be there for James," he confessed, acknowledging the role of his health in his ability to provide care.
The actor reflects on the joys and milestones in James's journey, recalling moments of profound progress like James walking independently towards him, which he describes as "magic." These instances are cherished victories that underscore his deep fatherly pride.
Colin beams with pride when discussing James's achievements, such as when James began feeding himself. Despite the messy endeavor, it represented a significant step towards independence for James, deeply moving his father.
Every small victory in James's life is a monumental event for Colin, who sees his son's daily struggles and triumphs as magical. This perspective resonates throughout Colin's advocacy work, aiming to convey the profound impacts and immense potential of individuals with disabilities.
As Colin Farrell and Kim Bordenave navigate this new chapter in their family's life, their decision is guided by a commitment to ensuring their son's happiness and well-being in a supportive community. By sharing their story, they hope to provide insight and encouragement to families in similar situations.
