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Colin Farrell, known for his roles in films like "Sugar," has opened up about his 20-year-old son James' condition and his motivation to help other families facing similar challenges. James, who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder, is nonverbal and requires live-in care. For the first time, Farrell shared details about his son's condition in an in-depth interview with People magazine.
"I want the world to be kind to James," Farrell expressed. "I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect."
In response to the challenges faced by families like his own, Farrell has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to providing support for families with adult children living with intellectual disabilities, especially as they age out of the systems designed for children with special needs.
"Once your child turns 21, they're kind of on their own," Farrell 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."
Farrell shares his son James with his ex, model Kim Bordenave. Through the new foundation, Farrell aims to assist families by offering advocacy, education, and innovative programs. Though he typically keeps his private life out of the spotlight, Farrell sees this as a cause worth pursuing.
He believes that if James could communicate verbally, he would fully support the foundation's mission. "...he would say, 'Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It's a no-brainer,'" Farrell shared. "So that's why we're doing it. This is all because of James— it's all in his honor."
Watching James reach milestones in his life has given Farrell a unique perspective and a deep sense of pride. "He works harder than I've ever had to work on myself," Farrell said. "If anything, he also gifts me with the ability to look at the human being and the human body and life as a marvel because I see how much he struggles with things that I would never have given a second thought to – that I would just, like many of us, take for granted."
Farrell's vision for the foundation includes opening a camp someday, providing a supportive and enriching environment for individuals like James. He acknowledges the privilege of being able to provide quality care for his son and wants to extend that opportunity to other families.
"He has a good life, James. He's a happy young man, I'm glad to say," Farrell concluded.
