Michael Owen Son Illness and Health Update, What Disease Does Michael Owen Son Have?
by Kavitha | Updated Jan 22, 2024
Who is Michael Owen Son?
James Owen, born on February 6, 2006, is the second eldest child of former Premier League footballer Michael Owen and his wife Louise. James has three sisters: Gemma, Emily May, and Jessica. The Owen family shares a passion for horses, evident in James' popular Instagram account, _james_owen10. Tragically, James was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition causing retinal degeneration and clinical blindness, making a football career impossible.
Despite initial struggles, James adopted a positive outlook. Currently a teenager attending school, he, like his sister Gemma, has gained a substantial Instagram following. Gemma, an equestrian and Love Island contestant, has become an ambassador for Fight For Sight, raising awareness and funds for visual impairment research. The Owen family, including James, aims to inspire and increase awareness about Stargardt disease through their documented journey.
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Michael Owen Son Illness and Health Update
Michael Owen's son, James Owen, faced a challenging health condition that led him to give up football. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of eight, this rare genetic condition causes a buildup of fatty material on the macula, a crucial part of the retina for sharp vision. Despite initially enjoying football, James found it increasingly difficult to play as his sight deteriorated, eventually resulting in clinical blindness.
Michael Owen, the former England striker, expressed the difficulty of explaining his son's condition when people inquired about James's potential career in football. James, now 17, admitted that the diminishing enjoyment in the sport was due to the challenges he faced in tracking the ball.
The family aims to raise awareness about Stargardt disease through a documentary titled "Football is For Everyone," scheduled to air on TNT Sports on January 30. Michael Owen shared the emotional journey of witnessing James cope with his condition, emphasizing his son's resilience and positive attitude.
The documentary not only sheds light on Stargardt disease but also provides an intimate look at the England Partially Sighted Futsal Team as they prepare for the 2023 IBSA World Games. Through their experiences, Michael and James Owen hope to inspire others facing similar health challenges and promote understanding of genetic eye conditions.
Michael Owen Children
Michael Owen and his wife Louise Bonsall have four children. Their eldest daughter, Gemma Rose, was born on May 1, 2003. They welcomed their first son, James Michael, on February 6, 2006. Their third child, a daughter named Emily May, was born on October 29, 2007, followed by their fourth child, Jessica, born on February 26, 2010. The family resides in Lower Soughton Manor in Flintshire, North Wales.
Michael Owen, a former professional footballer, has a strong bond with his family, and they share various interests, including a passion for horses. Owen is actively involved in horse racing and breeding, owning racehorses trained by Tom Dascombe. Additionally, Owen's daughter Gemma gained public attention when she participated in the eighth series of the reality show Love Island in June 2022, finishing in second place.
Does Michael Owen Son Play Soccer?
James Owen, the 17-year-old son of former England striker Michael Owen, faced a challenging journey in his football aspirations due to an incurable condition. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease at the age of eight, a rare genetic condition affecting the retina, James's dream of becoming a professional footballer became unattainable as his sight progressively worsened, ultimately leading to clinical blindness.
Despite early signs of promise in football, James had to give up the sport, finding it increasingly difficult to track the ball as his condition advanced. The expectations linked to being Michael Owen's son added an extra layer of complexity, with people frequently asking if he intended to follow in his father's footsteps.
In an interview, James expressed his initial emotional struggles but emphasized his positive outlook on life, focusing on alternative pursuits. Michael Owen, speaking about the challenges, highlighted the difficulty in facing questions about James's football abilities and the desire to change the subject when confronted with inquiries.
The father and son duo aim to raise awareness about Stargardt disease through their documentary, "Football is For Everyone," which provides a personal and inspiring perspective on sight loss and football. James hopes the documentary will offer hope and inspiration to others facing similar conditions, emphasizing that, despite challenges, meaningful and fulfilling opportunities are still within reach.
What Disease Does Michael Owen Son Have?
Michael Owen's son, James, born in 2006, has Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition causing retinal degeneration and clinical blindness. Diagnosed at eight, James had to give up his football dreams. The Owen family, including James and his sister Gemma, actively raises awareness about Stargardt disease, hoping to inspire and educate others about genetic eye conditions.
Michael Owen Son Illness and Health Update - FAQs
James Owen, born on February 6, 2006, is the second eldest child of Michael Owen and Louise Bonsall.
James Owen has Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition leading to clinical blindness.
Despite initial struggles and giving up football, James adopted a positive outlook on life and explored alternative paths.
The family is documenting their journey in a documentary titled "Football is For Everyone," scheduled to air on TNT Sports on January 30.
Michael Owen and Louise have three daughters: Gemma Rose, Emily May, and Jessica.