Inspired by his son James, who suffers from the uncommon neurological disorder known as Angelman Syndrome, actor Colin Farrell is establishing a charity to assist others with intellectual disabilities.
The 48-year-old Farrell expressed his desire for kindness toward James in an emotional interview with People magazine. I would for everyone to show him respect and kindness.”
He stated that as a child becomes 21, many social services for those with intellectual disability cease to be available. Farrell stated, “I have some resources, and yet we still struggle to get the kind of support James deserves and should receive.” He clarified that he was inspired to act by his 20-year-old son, James.
The Colin Farrell Foundation will fight for more Medicaid funding, increased pay for professional caregivers, and increased housing accessibility for those with intellectual impairments.
What is the Angelman Syndrome?
A mutation in a gene involved in brain development results in the uncommon neurological disorder known as Angelman Syndrome. Severe physical and learning difficulties are caused by this syndrome, which damages the nervous system. Therapies are available to manage symptoms like seizures and gastrointestinal problems, but there is currently no proven cure or treatment for Angelman Syndrome.
About 1 in 15,000 babies are born with Angelman Syndrome, which affects about 500,000 people globally, according to the Aurora, Illinois-based Angelman Syndrome Foundation. In general, people with Angelman Syndrome have a normal lifespan.
Harry Angelman, a British physician who originally recognized the syndrome in 1965, is honored by the syndrome’s name.
What signs of Angelman Syndrome are present?
Developmental delays, intellectual incapacity, severe speech impairment, balance problems, seizures, and problems with the gastrointestinal tract, bones, and eyes are among the symptoms listed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The Mayo Clinic continues, “Some people may display unusual behaviors, like waving their hands or lifting their arms while walking.”
Certain symptoms, such as sleep issues or seizures, may lessen with age even though lifelong treatment is required.
James was a very silent baby—he didn’t utter a sound at all. With a peaceful infant who wouldn’t keep me up at night, I felt like I had struck the lottery, Farrell remarked.
yet “he wasn’t meeting milestones—he couldn’t sit up… he couldn’t stand on his feet, so we knew something was wrong.”
James took his first steps just two weeks before turning four, according to Farrell. He remarked, “It was a profoundly moving experience,” while shedding a tear.
Other symptoms include a tendency to stick out the tongue, frequent fits of uncontrollably laughing, and lighter skin, hair, and eyes than other family members, according to the UK’s National Health Service.
An assay of the blood can validate the diagnosis. Most newborns exhibit no symptoms at all.
What Is the Angelman Syndrome Cause?
UBE3A gene mutations are frequently the cause of Angelman Syndrome.
A child usually receives one copy of each gene from each parent. Being the only copy of the UBE3A gene that is active, damage or absence of the maternal copy causes Angelman Syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, two paternal copies rather than one from each parent can occasionally result in Angelman Syndrome.
A family history of Angelman Syndrome can raise one’s risk, but the exact origin of the genetic alterations that produce the disorder is not always known.
