COLIN FARRELL'S 9-year-old son James was born with Angelman Syndrome, a serious intellectual and developmental disability.  And while it's often been a struggle, it does have its rewards.

Colin says, "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.  He has enriched my life, but I don't want to minimize the trials that so many families go through:  the fear, consternation, frustration, and pain.  We share in the smallest victories:  the first words at age 6 or 7, being able to feed oneself at 19, and getting the seizures under control.  When James took his first steps at age 4, I nearly broke in half!"

Farrell has become very active with the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.  He says, "When you're the parent of a child with special needs, it's important to feel that you're not alone."