Total Recall actor Colin Farrell recently opened up in the December issue of InStyle magazine about his eldest boy James, 9, who suffers from Angelman Syndrome – a neuro-genetic disorder with symptoms including intellectual and developmental disability, seizures, jerky movements and sleep disturbances.

”[My ex Kim Bordenave and I] share in the smallest victories; the first words at age six or seven, being able to feed oneself at 19, and getting the seizures under control,” Colin reveals. “When James took his first steps at age four, I nearly broke in half!”

The sexy Irish actor – who is also father to son Henry, 3, with ex girlfriend Alicja Bachleda-Curus – went public with James’ condition when the little guy was 4, crediting the Paralympic games as his inspiration and source of courage.

”It was at the Special Olympics in Shanghai in 2007 that I decided, after consulting with James’ mother, that I wanted to talk publicly about the pride and joy I had in our son,” Colin says. “He has enriched my life, but I don’t want to minimise the trials that so many families go through; the fear, consternation, frustration, and pain.”

”When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s important to feel that you’re not alone,” he adds.

Colin currently works with the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome (FAST) to raise awareness and empower other families affected by the disorder.

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Photo credit: Bauer Griffin