From Collin Farrell to Ashton Kutcher and Denise Richards, these celebrities have opened up about advocacies linked to their family members’ health conditions.
While stars are often under the scrutiny of the public eye, many choose to keep their personal lives private, especially when it comes to the people closest to their hearts.
On the other hand, these celebrities have offered a rare glimpse into their families’ experiences to help bring their causes to light.
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Some have siblings or children currently living with a disability, spurring them on to show public support in various ways. Here are just some of the advocacies these stars and their families champion.
Colin Farrell and his son James Padraig Farrell
Colin Farrell’s first son, James Padraig Farrell, was born on September 12, 2003. In 2007, when James was four years old, Farrell opened up about how his son has a rare form of cerebral palsy called Angelman Syndrome.
According to the actor, the condition affects James’ speech and mobility. Farrell said that he is “blessed to have him in my life” and that his son is an “incredibly happy boy” who has shown “amazing courage.”
Earlier this month, the actor officially launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, ahead of James’ 21st birthday. According to its website, the organization commits to “transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs.”
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell told PEOPLE. “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.”
Farrell added that James, and those like him, have “earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy on life, and a greater degree of community.” This important work, Farrell continued, is all because of James and all in his honor.
Twin brothers Ashton and Michael Kutcher
Ashton and Michael Kutcher were born on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When Michael was only three years old, the Kutcher family found out that he has cerebral palsy. Growing up, he had to deal with major health complications.
At 13 years old, he suffered a heart failure which required a transplant. A few years later, he had to have another heart surgery after doctors discovered a blood clot.
Back in 2022, Ashton admitted to feeling guilty for his success as an actor while his twin brother was undergoing all this. However, it was Michael who talked Ashton out of this mindset during a visit in New York.
“He looked at me, and he said, ‘Every time you feel sorry for me, you make me less…This is the only life I’ve ever known, so stop feeling sorry for the only thing I have,’” the actor shared.
In the same interview, Michael shared that they drifted apart for a time and attributed it to his jealousy of Ashton’s fame. He was also angry with Ashton when the star first talked about Michael having cerebral palsy, something he’s been trying to hide.
“Chris (Ashton) did me the biggest favor he’s ever done because he allowed me to be myself,” Michael told Today. He is now a proud advocate and public speaker, working with organizations such as The Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Donate Life.
Denise Richards and her daughter Eloise
In 2011, Denise Richards adopted her third daughter, Eloise, as an infant. During the reunion of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Richards opened up about her daughter’s rare disorder.
“Eloise has a chromosome disorder. She has a deletion in Chromosome 8, which has caused many delays with her.” Richards explained that it has affected her speech and development.
Chromosome 8, Monosomy 8p can cause growth delays and affect vital functions as well as cause abnormalities in the heart, among other effects.
“You take care of your children no matter what is going on with them,” the reality star added. “I don’t know if [Eloise] is ever going to talk like a typical child. But as a parent, you want what’s best for your children, and you just do it.”
Apart from acting and raising her children, Richards has also dedicated much of her time to philanthropic efforts. She has supported charities such as the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Feeding America, Best Friends Animal Society, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and many more.
In 2012, Richards collaborated with ShoeDazzle and designed a pink stiletto named the Eloise, after her daughter. All profits went to the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), a cause also close to Richards as she lost her mother to the disease.
Banner image via Instagram @colinfarrellfoundation.
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