Footy WAG Jordan Ablett shares heartbreaking post about her son Levi's rare degenerative disease as the family holds out hope for a treatment - and reveals new details about her mother's last days alive before dying in COVID-19 lockdown
- The wife of AFL star Gary Ablett Junior is remaining upbeat despite a tough year
- Jordan Ablett lost her mum to lung cancer in August in the midst of coronavirus
- The couple also found out their son Levi was living with a degenerative disease
- She has shared her gratitude for her family in an emotional tribute on Instagram
The wife of AFL star Gary Ablett Jr has revealed the silver lining of the coronavirus pandemic amid a traumatic 12 months for their family.
Jordan Ablett lost her mother Trudy Papalia to lung cancer in August, months after her son baby Levi was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease.
In an emotional post on Instagram, she opened up about her struggles to deal with the two life changing events but shared the hope that her beloved son will recover from the cruel illness - which has never been named.
Jordan Ablett (pictured with baby Levi) watches her husband Gary Ablett Junior play for the Geelong Cats in AFL Round 18 on September 20 in the Gold Coast
The wife of AFL star Gary Ablett Jr, Jordan Ablett (pictured together with son Levi) has revealed the silver lining of the coronavirus pandemic amid a traumatic 12 months
'Watching my mum live her final months at home under Stage 3 and then 4 Covid restrictions, preventing her from those "lasts" with those she loved was really sad,' she wrote.
'Then to go on and lose mum (my greatest encourager) is something that will always hurt. Words simply can’t express what I feel each day as I navigate these unique and difficult circumstances.'
The family live in Melbourne where Mr Ablett plays for the Geelong Cats, forcing the family to live under strict lockdown.
But she revealed the deadly disease had offered a blessing in disguise for her to be able to make the most of the time with her nearest and dearest.
'Although I’m not thankful for Covid itself in any way, I’m thankful that because Covid forced us all to slow down and focus on the essentials, we were able to care for mum at home; spending every day with her and creating special life-long memories together,' she wrote.
The AFL WAG opened up about her struggles to deal with her son Levi's (pictured) diagnosis of a rare degenerative disease in an emotional post on Instagram
Mother and son share a tender moment blowing bubbles together
'I’m also thankful that she didn’t a) get the virus or b) go into hospital to pass away alone. Instead she was surrounded by her 3 daughters holding her hand and telling her that we loved her so much.'
The mum also spoke about her gratitude at learning of her son's rare disease despite the difficulties dealing with the news.
'I’m so thankful that Levi finally received a diagnosis that would then propel him in the right direction to commence the appropriate treatment that we pray and hope will change his prognosis,' she wrote.
She thanked the medical professionals and close-knit support network of families who had surrounded her since learning his diagnosis.
She also opened up about her struggles to deal with the loss of her mother Trudy Papalia to lung cancer in August (pictured, with baby Levi)
'Mothering Levi has given me such a great insight into families who are in the same position with their own children,' she wrote.
'I know first-hand how challenging it is and how it is a completely different parenting experience, though still so rewarding.
'How privileged we are to be entrusted with such a precious responsibility, caring for these little humans who need us and who we love so deeply and fiercely.'
The Geelong Cats star and his wife found out their son was fighting a rare illness earlier this year.
Gary Ablett Jr and his wife Jordan with baby Levi (pictured) before his diagnosis with a rare degenerative disease
Jordan pushes baby Levi in a pram during round 18 of the AFL tournament on the Gold Coast
Mother and son pose in the sunshine at the beach
The pair revealed the news to football fans in a post on Instagram in July, after the superstar played his 350th match.
'Some of you might already know that Jordan is caring for her mum as she battles with cancer. But what many of you don't know is that our son has been recently diagnosed with a rare and degenerative disease,' the post read.
'We thank you for your love and support and want to emphasise just how grateful we are to be Levi's parents,' he continued.
'He is a true blessing to us and our family and we love him so deeply. Anyone who knows him knows how full of joy he is and how he always has a smile on his face.'
Ablett's post was followed with an open letter to the 17-month-old uploaded on Jordan's Instagram account.
'To our dearest Levi, words will never be enough to express just how full our hearts are of love for you,' the post reads.
'You've only been with us for a short while but you've already taught us more than some people learn in a lifetime.'
Jordan Ablett said while her son Levi (pictured together) had only been with the couple for a short while he had already taught them more than 'some people learn in a lifetime'
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