Colin Farrell has launched a foundation to support adult children with intellectual disabilities in memory of his son James, who has Angelman syndrome, People magazine reports.
Pharrell opened up about his own experience and spoke about the impact of the rare neurogenetic disorder that James is said to be fighting to overcome every day.
“I hope the world is kind to James,” Farrell said. people“I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect,” he said. James is 20 years old and non-speaking, and the outlet reports that when James turns 21, he won't have access to the support he needs. His famous father is determined to make a change, and has started the Colin Farrell Foundation to help other families facing this difficult battle.
“This is all because of James. It's all in his honour,” Pharrell said of his new foundation, according to the outlet.
James reportedly has a live-in carer who helps him get through the challenges he faces.
“Angelman syndrome is a disease caused by a change in a gene, called a genetic mutation.” Mayo Clinic The condition “can lead to developmental delays, speech and balance problems, psychiatric disorders, and sometimes seizures.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Colin Farrell speaks during the 95th Academy Awards Week Event: Makeup and Hairstyling panel at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Farrell told People magazine that the foundation aims to support adult children in need of care through education and innovative programs.
“Once my kids turn 21, they're kind of on their own,” Pharrell said, according to People magazine.
“All the safeguards that were previously put in place, such as special education classes, are gone and young people who should be integrating into modern society are often left behind,” he said.
The famous actor expressed his desire to build bridges for other families, saying, “For years, I've wanted to do something to improve opportunities for families with children with special needs to receive the support they deserve in all areas of their lives.”
“This is the first time I'm speaking about this, and obviously the only reason I'm speaking about it is because James hasn't asked me if I want to do this,” Pharrell told People magazine.
Irish actor Colin Farrell attends the Apple TV+ “Sugar” red carpet event at the Lynwood Dunn Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 28, 2024. (Photo: Etienne Laurent/AFP) (Photo: Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)
“Of course he can. I speak to James as if he's 20 years old, perfectly fluent in English and has the cognitive abilities of his age. But I can't get a concrete answer from him as to whether he's happy with all of this or not. So you can only judge by knowing James' mind and the kind of young man he is and the goodness that's in his heart,” Farrell said, according to the outlet.
“I'm so proud of my son every day because I think he's a magical kid,” Pharrell said of his son.
