Colin Farrell recently shared the difficult decision he and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave are making to place their 21-year-old son, James, in a care facility. The actor expressed his concern about what would happen if something were to happen to both himself and Kim, leaving James on his own. This has led them to seek out a suitable facility while they still can have a say in his care.
Farrell has rarely discussed his son’s Angelman syndrome, which was initially misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy. One of the key distinguishing symptoms of Angelman syndrome is the unique sign of frequent laughter, alongside severe physical and learning disabilities. The syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system, causing challenges in independence and development.
Notably, Angelman syndrome typically occurs by chance during conception due to a missing or malfunctioning UBE3A gene. While there is no cure, some treatments can manage symptoms, including medication to control seizures, physiotherapy, and communication therapy.
READ MORE: Sir Chris Hoy’s Inspiring Cancer Battle
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Candidate’s ‘Radical Plan’ to Annex Herefordshire Town
The condition, affecting around one in every 20,000 births, is named after Dr. Harry Angelman, who identified it in 1965. Children with the syndrome often face delays in hitting developmental milestones, speech difficulties, and movement impairments, among other symptoms.
Farrell’s candid revelation sheds light on the complexities that families dealing with rare genetic disorders encounter. It also underscores the importance of having open conversations about the challenges and decisions involved in caring for a loved one with a rare condition.