Colin Farrell Explains His Decision for Son's Care
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Synopsis
Colin Farrell shares the emotional decision to place his son James in long-term care due to concerns about the future. After a misdiagnosis, James was confirmed to have Angelman syndrome, prompting Farrell to seek the best living arrangements for his son while he and Kim are still able to offer support.
Key Takeaways
- Colin Farrell discusses the challenges of caring for a child with special needs.
- James was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy before being diagnosed with Angelman syndrome.
- The actor emphasizes the importance of planning for the future.
- Farrell and Kim Bordenave are seeking suitable long-term care for James.
- They wish to ensure James lives a connected and fulfilling life.
Los Angeles, April 19 (NationPress) Hollywood star Colin Farrell has disclosed the deeply emotional choice to place his son James in long-term care, expressing his concerns about the future.
The actor, who had earlier revealed that his son James was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, spoke about this tragic medical oversight. Eventually, doctors confirmed that James has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder impacting the nervous system, which leads to significant physical and cognitive challenges, as reported by mirror.co.uk.
Reflecting on this decision, the Golden Globe winner communicated his worries regarding the future if adequate support systems weren't established for his 21-year-old son.
"It’s complicated; some parents will express a desire to care for their child independently, and I respect that," the actor stated.
"But my fear would be... What if I suffer a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, gets in a car accident and is taken away too – and then James is left alone?"
In an interview with Candis Magazine, the Batman star further remarked: "Then he becomes a ward of the state, and where does he go? We would lose all control over it."
Farrell and Kim Bordenave are actively searching for a place for James to reside "now while we are still alive and healthy" so they can visit and take him out.
He expressed: "We want him to discover a place where he can lead a fulfilling and joyful life, where he feels a sense of connection."
Last summer, the actor candidly discussed the ramifications of James' misdiagnosis.
Colin mentioned that the syndrome is often confused with cerebral palsy due to overlapping symptoms. It wasn't until James was approximately two and a half that he was accurately diagnosed after a pediatric neurologist suggested testing for Angelman syndrome.
After receiving the correct diagnosis, the star admitted he had two crucial questions for the doctors.
"I recall the first two questions I posed were, 'What is the life expectancy and how much pain is involved?'" Colin recounted.
"The doctor replied, 'Life expectancy, as far as we know, is the same for you and for me, and pain, no.'"
