Colin Farrell Reveals Emotional Reason for Placing Son in Long-Term Care Facility: A Parent’s Unwavering Love

Colin Farrell, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, has opened up about a deeply personal decision to place his 21-year-old son, James, in a long-term care facility. This decision stems from a desire to ensure James receives the best care while he is still alive and to give him a sense of belonging. The actor, who has been candid about his son’s journey with Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, has shared the heartbreaking and emotional reasons behind this difficult choice.

James Farrell’s Diagnosis and Struggles with Angelman Syndrome

James Farrell, Colin’s eldest son, was initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, a disorder affecting movement and coordination. However, at the age of two and a half, doctors discovered he had Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system, leading to severe intellectual and physical disabilities. One of the hallmark signs of Angelman syndrome is frequent laughter and hand-waving movements, which were key symptoms that led doctors to re-evaluate James’s condition.

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The diagnosis came as a shock, and Colin vividly remembers the moment he learned of the disorder. “I remember the first two questions I asked were, ‘What’s the life expectancy and how much pain is involved?'” he recalled in an interview. Thankfully, the prognosis was relatively positive in terms of life expectancy, but the emotional and physical toll of the condition has been a constant challenge for both James and his family.

Why Colin Farrell Chose Long-Term Care for James

Colin Farrell, alongside his ex-partner Kim Bordenave, has made the difficult decision to place James in a long-term care facility. The actor explained in an interview with Candis Magazine that he and Kim wanted to ensure that James has a stable, supportive environment, one where he can receive care if they are no longer around to provide it themselves.

“It’s tricky,” Colin said. “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, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash, and she’s taken too—and then James is on his own?”

This heart-wrenching concern led them to seek a facility where James can thrive, surrounded by caring professionals. Colin explained that their hope is to find a place “where he can go now, while we’re still alive and healthy, that we can go and visit, and we can take him out sometimes.” The decision, though painful, reflects the love and commitment both parents have to James’s well-being.

The Power of a Parent’s Love: James’s Milestones and Progress

Despite his struggles, James has made significant progress, something Colin has always been immensely proud of. From a young age, James faced challenges like missing developmental milestones and needing assistance with basic tasks. Yet, he continues to fight through his limitations, demonstrating a level of resilience and courage that inspires his family every day.

Colin shared that the moment James took his first steps shortly before his fourth birthday was profoundly moving. “I knew they [James’s carers] were working on walking. And I stood over there, and she let him go, and he just came to me,” Colin recalled. “It was so profound. It was magic. I’ll never forget just the face of determination on him as he walked toward me.”

Other key milestones, like James feeding himself and speaking his first words at age six, have been celebrated with immense joy. Colin’s pride is evident, as he frequently praises his son’s determination and his ability to overcome daily challenges. “When he started feeding himself for the first time, his face looked like a Jackson Pollock 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,” said Colin.

Challenges of Raising a Child with Special Needs

As a father, Colin has been hands-on in managing James’s care, even when it meant dealing with difficult medical situations. James experiences seizures, a common symptom of Angelman syndrome, and Colin has been present for every hospital visit, every ambulance ride, and every moment of uncertainty. “I’ve done Diastat [a sedative] up his rectum to get him out of a seizure that lasted longer than three minutes,” Colin revealed. “Finding the right amount of medication that doesn’t have adverse effects—that’s all very tricky business.”

Through these struggles, Colin has been steadfast in his commitment to supporting James, even when it meant adjusting his life and career to accommodate his son’s needs. Despite the immense pressure and emotional strain, Colin has remained focused on providing the best possible future for his son.

Colin Farrell’s Advocacy: The Colin Farrell Foundation

In addition to caring for James, Colin has turned his personal experience into advocacy. He has recently launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and raising awareness for conditions like Angelman syndrome. The foundation aims to provide resources, education, and support to families facing similar challenges, helping them navigate the complexities of raising children with special needs.

“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,” Colin said. The foundation is a way for him to share James’s journey and to ensure that families like his have the support they need.

Why Colin Farrell is Speaking Out Now

Colin’s decision to publicly discuss James’s condition and the family’s decision to place him in a long-term care facility is motivated by a desire to connect with other families facing similar struggles. “When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s important to feel that you’re not alone,” Colin shared.

The actor, who has remained relatively private about his family life in the past, wants to normalize the experience of caring for a child with disabilities. By sharing his story, he hopes to offer hope and encouragement to others who may feel isolated or overwhelmed.

For Colin, the journey with James has been one of great love and immense pride, and he continues to support his son every step of the way. “James has worked so hard all his life, so hard,” Colin said. “He’s a magic kid. He is my inspiration.”

The Unseen Strength of Special Needs Families

Raising a child with special needs is an extraordinary journey filled with triumphs and hardships. Colin Farrell’s openness about his son’s condition sheds light on the unseen strength of families who live with intellectual and physical disabilities every day. Through his foundation, his advocacy, and his unwavering love for his son, Colin Farrell continues to be a beacon of hope for many parents navigating similar challenges.