We salute actor Colin Farrell, who has just announced a foundation in honor of his son with special needs. We hope his fame can help shine a light on the situation that so many adults with special needs face.
Farrell’s son James, age 20, has a rare condition called Angelman syndrome, which results in delayed development, problems with speech and balance, and mental disability, and can cause seizures. In James’ case, he is non-verbal and has a live-in caregiver.
The actor timed the launch of The Colin Farrell Foundation around his son’s approaching 21st birthday. As Farrell explained in an interview with People magazine, “Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell told the outlet. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”
This is exactly why we founded Sharon’s Place, to help the adults in Van Zandt County and surrounding counties who face the same thing. It’s a problem that most people aren’t aware of, and we’re hoping that Farrell shining the spotlight on it will raise awareness.
The foundation aims to aid families whose children have grown up and are too old for all the various support systems that have been in place for them for most of their lives. He explained that for years he has “wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve.”
Clearly, the award-winning Irish actor is a loving father who cares very much for his son. “I want the world to be kind to James,” he said. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.” He said James has worked hard throughout his life to accomplish small things, such as feeding himself, adding, “I just think he’s magic.”
Amen to that, and thank you, Mr. Farrell.