There is nothing harder for a parent than seeing their child suffering. Former footballer Michael Owen, 44, knows this well, who, in fact, referred to the complicated situation that his son James, 17, is going through, who suffers from a rare disease that is leaving him blind. The young man was diagnosed at the age of eight with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition that degenerates vision. That is why his father is completely dedicating herself to him and all the care he may need.
“I would exchange my eyes for his and I would take away his pain,” Michael said a while ago, about the illness that seems to be his offspring. Since James was diagnosed with the disease, his sight has deteriorated more and more until he is now “clinically blind”, so he has had to give up his dream career as a footballer. Without a doubt, a hard blow for the young man, but also for everyone around him, who suffers, feeling helpless with this situation.
The former soccer player opened up about this situation at the presentation of the documentary Football is for everyone and detailed how complicated it was to accept his son’s diagnosis. The athlete explained that James’ independence is now limited, since he depends on his environment for many things, and he cannot do others directly, such as driving. On the other hand, Owen explained that sometimes he also feels sad for not being able to chat with him about the soccer games they watch at home.
The truth is that, despite the complicated situation facing the family, the former captain of the English team remains positive about James’ future. He even joked that she could spend more time with his son. This optimism has made James himself admit that, thanks to this, he has also been able to be more optimistic about his diagnosis and his situation.
“Before I used to get angry when I came home from school because I couldn’t do the same thing as my classmates and some of them picked on me. I was someone different then, much more negative. Now I see everything in a more positive way and it’s thanks to my father. He has helped me and it has made me happier, teaching me how to take comments and jokes,” the young man expressed. “Before we went every month, but now not so much. For what? So that they tell us that it doesn’t improve?” He explained.
During the talk, the former Real Madrid player highlighted the importance of reviews. Despite everything, the family knows that there is currently no cure, so they must continue with their lives. For his part, Owen collaborates with various initiatives such as the documentary in which both have participated to give visibility to his case, and raises funds for various associations such as Fight for Sight.
“We move forward and if there is any progress in the future it will be great and if not, he will still have an incredible life,” says the former soccer player. For his part, young James agrees with his father, since he does not want the disease to rule his life. “I don’t usually think about that, although I know that I do very different things than what kids my age do. But I’ve gotten over it, I don’t notice the difference. I’m not sitting around waiting for a cure to appear,” the young man concluded.
