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Colin Farrell’s Heart-Wrenching Decision: Why He’s Giving Up Care of His Disabled Son

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Colin Farrell has disclosed the motivation behind his intention to place his son, who has special needs, in a long-term care institution.

Earlier, the actor disclosed that his son James, aged 21, had been sadly misdiagnosed as having Cerebral Palsy. However, medical professionals later verified that James actually had Angelman Syndrome.

Angelman Syndrome represents a relatively uncommon neurological condition predominantly impacting the central nervous system, leading to significant physical and cognitive impairments.

In an interview with Candis Magazine, Colin shared that he and his former partner, Kim Bordenave, have mutually agreed upon and planned for their son, James, to reside in a long-term care facility for the long term.

He mentioned that it can be challenging, as some parents express their desire to care for their children personally. However, he acknowledged and respected this decision.

However, the thought that troubles me is this: Suppose I suffer a heart attack tomorrow, and tragically, James’ mother, Kim, is involved in a car accident at the same time. If they both don’t make it, that would leave poor James all alone.

‘Then he’s a ward of the state and he goes where? We’d have no say in it.’

They aim to discover a place that appeals to both of them, where he can travel to now, while they’re still active and in good health, so they can visit it together, and occasionally take him out.

Colin went on to say: “Our aim is for him to discover a place that allows him to live a fulfilling and joyous life, where he feels a sense of belonging.

As a seasoned lifestyle advisor, I recently found myself reflecting on a heartfelt conversation I had with a renowned actor regarding his firstborn son’s unique journey. He shared that, much like any concerned parent, they sought professional medical guidance when their little one, James, failed to meet certain developmental milestones during infancy. Specifically, challenges arose in areas such as sitting up and crawling at the expected age.

Colin clarified that individuals affected by this uncommon syndrome are frequently mistaken for having cerebral palsy, since both ailments share similar symptoms.

He shared with everyone: “James was unable to sit upright, and he didn’t start crawling. When he was around 18 months old, we decided to have him thoroughly examined, and he was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders impacting movement and coordination, which originate from an issue in the brain that occurs either before, during, or shortly after birth.

Experiencing trouble with speech, swallowing, vision, or learning processes might also indicate certain symptoms.

Colin mentioned that it was frequently misunderstood due to its similar traits, and admittedly, it was quite disappointing.

It was around the age of two and a half years that an expert in child neurology advised the Oscar nominee to have James tested for Angelman syndrome.

Reflecting on that defining moment, I can still vividly recall the two immediate queries that crossed my mind: “What will be the projected lifespan and what level of discomfort should I anticipate?” as I grappled with my recent diagnosis.

The doctor explained that, as best we can determine, our lifespans are identical, and he assured me there would be no pain.

A doctor had noticed an unusual symptom that prompted him to test for Angelman syndrome.

According to Colin, one distinctive trait of Angelman syndrome is frequent bouts of laughter, which was evident in James as he often laughed and made this hand motion, as the father of two explained.

Angelman syndrome is additionally marked by frequent seizures, a challenge that Colin, father to 15-year-old Henry Tadeusz with Polish actress Alicja Bachleda-Curus, has pointed out as one of the difficulties parents often face.

I’m grateful to say that it’s been about a decade or so since James has experienced a major seizure, but I’ve been there through the harrowing rides in ambulances and the long hours spent in hospitals with him. I’ve even resorted to administering Diastat rectally to help him break free from seizures that lasted more than three minutes. Finding the right dosage of medication that doesn’t cause unwanted side effects – it’s a delicate balancing act, indeed.

The actor has recently established the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to offer assistance, instruction, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities in adulthood.

I’ve never discussed this before, but since I can’t directly ask James, I’m bringing it up instead.

The proud dad stated that his eldest son ‘has worked so hard all his life, so hard.’

‘Repeated efforts, balanced approach, and a somewhat jerky stride characterize him. When he first began to self-feed, his face turned into an abstract Jackson Pollock painting. Yet, he managed it well, feeding himself with grace. Every day, I feel proud of him because I believe he’s nothing short of magical.’

Colin also described watching his son take his first steps just before his fourth birthday.

Speaking to everyone with heart-pounding excitement, here’s how I put it: “I’d been waiting for the day when James would walk again, and boy, did that moment take my breath away! I stood there, on the sidelines, and when they let him go, he made a beeline straight for me. It was like time itself stopped as we connected in that magical moment.

‘It was so profound. It was magic.’

I’ll always vividly remember the determined expression on his face as he approached me, and after only a few strides, I found myself overcome with emotion and began to cry.

Due to the gravity of his condition, James is unable to speak and needs constant assistance from a live-in caretaker to manage his daily activities.

At age four, Colin openly shared about his son having Angelman Syndrome, praising him for displaying exceptional bravery in coping with his health situation.

Just prior to his eighteenth birthday, it was requested that Colin and Kim petition for the guardianship of James, citing his ongoing need for assistance in daily activities such as dressing himself and preparing meals.

Later, it was disclosed that he and James’ mom always celebrate the tiniest achievements and cherish each milestone, regardless of their timing – such as James uttering his first words at six years old, learning to feed himself at 19, and managing his seizures effectively.

Colin has generally kept his personal life under wraps, revealing little details about his son, except for a few instances. However, he opened up more recently when speaking with InStyle magazine, sharing that it was during the 2007 Special Olympics that he made the decision to speak publicly about the pride and joy he felt regarding their son.

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to express that he has significantly added value to my life. However, I want to acknowledge the hardships that many families face; the fear, confusion, aggravation, and pain they endure. When you’re a parent of a child with special needs, it’s crucial to feel a sense of companionship, knowing you’re not alone in this journey.

Talking about raising a child with special needs, the Hollywood star expressed that it was primarily due to James that he managed to overcome addiction.

From the years 2001 to 2003, Colin and James’ mother Kim were in a relationship. Subsequently, Colin had Henry with his acting partner Alicja, who he was dating from around late 2008 until early 2010.

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2025-04-18 13:49

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