Actor Colin Farrell has taken a significant step towards raising awareness and providing support for Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, by launching the Colin Farrell Foundation. This initiative, inspired by his 20-year-old son James, aims to advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and offer a range of supportive programs.
In an exclusive interview, Farrell shared his journey and the challenges faced by his son, who was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. “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,” Farrell explained. “I speak to James as if he’s 20 and has perfect fluency with the English language and age-appropriate cognitive ability. But I can’t discern a particular answer from him as to whether he’s comfortable with all this or not, so I have to make a call based on knowing James’s spirit and what kind of young man he is and the goodness that he has in his heart.”
Angelman syndrome is characterized by developmental delays, problems with walking and balance, gastrointestinal issues, seizures, and minimal to no speech. These symptoms often become noticeable between 6 to 12 months of age. The disorder affects approximately one in 15,000 live births, or around 500,000 people globally, and is frequently misdiagnosed due to similarities with autism, cerebral palsy, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
Farrell reflected on the daily struggles and triumphs experienced by James. “James has worked so hard all his life, so hard,” Farrell said. “Repetition, repetition, balance, his jerky gait. When he started feeding himself for the first time, his face looked like a Jackson Pollock painting by the end of it. But he gets it in, he feeds himself beautifully. I’m proud of him every day because I just think he’s magic.”
Through the Colin Farrell Foundation, the actor aims to foster a greater sense of community and individuality for those with Angelman syndrome. He believes that individuals like James deserve increased autonomy and recognition. “James and those like him have earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy in life, and a greater degree of community,” Farrell expressed.
Farrell’s efforts to create a supportive environment for adults with intellectual disabilities underscore his dedication to improving the quality of life for those affected by Angelman syndrome and similar conditions. The foundation’s advocacy and programs are poised to make a meaningful impact, offering resources and support to families navigating these challenges.
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