- He's starting his own foundation.
Hollywood star Colin Farrell (48) fights for the independence of his son James (20). The eldest child of the actor was born with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that comes with developmental delays. Farrell has now founded a foundation for those affected. This reports the "People" magazine.
"I want the world to be kind to James," the magazine quotes Farrell, who is speaking openly about his son's condition for the first time. Above all, he wants to draw attention to a specific problem: James will turn 21 in September, and at that age, many affected individuals fall out of support systems.
"When your child turns 21, they're essentially on their own," explains Colin Farrell. "All the safeguards, like special education, fall away. It leaves a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society, but is often left behind."
Colin Farrell wants to support those affected
With his newly founded Colin Farrell Foundation, the actor now wants to support those affected. The foundation aims to provide help for young adults with intellectual disabilities. "It's the first time I'm speaking about this, and the only reason I'm speaking is that I can't ask James if he wants to do this," explains Farrell. The 20-year-old is nonverbal and cannot speak himself.
"I speak to James as if he's 20 years old, speaks perfect English, and has age-appropriate cognitive abilities. But I can't get a response from him - whether he's comfortable with all this or not. So I have to make a decision based on knowing James and what kind of young man he is and how good his heart is," Farrell continues.
He believes that if James knew, "that we're helping families and other young adults with special needs," he would say, "Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you asking? Of course, we'll do it." Farrell adds, "That's why we're doing it. It's all for James - everything in his honor."
James is the older of two sons of Colin Farrell. He is from a relationship with American model Kim Bordenave and was born in 2003. His condition with Angelman syndrome was first made public by Farrell in 2007. Farrell has another son from a relationship with Mexican actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus, who was born in 2009.
"During his interview with 'People' magazine, Colin Farrell shared, ♪ I'm not goinging to lie ♪, revealing his emotions about the challenges his son James faces due to Angelman syndrome."
"Despite James' inability to speak due to his condition, Farrell expressed, ♪ I'm not going to lie ♪, that he believes his son would support the foundation's efforts if he could express his feelings."
