Jordan Ablett, the wife of Australian football legend Gary Ablett Jr, has shared a heartwarming and inspiring update regarding their son Levi, nearly six years after the young boy was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition known as Menkes disease. Levi recently celebrated his seventh birthday in January, and while his medical condition continues to demand the same intensive level of care, he remains a cheerful and vibrant child who embraces life with enthusiasm.
An Inspiring Outlook on a Challenging Condition
In a recent interview with News Corp, Jordan Ablett expressed her admiration for Levi's resilience. She stated, 'He's doing great. Levi has never lost his big smile and is still showing us how to be present and live in the moment.' This positive perspective comes despite the family's ongoing struggles with the realities of Menkes disease, a disorder that severely impacts copper absorption in the body, leading to developmental delays and a significantly reduced life expectancy.
Recalling the Devastating Diagnosis
Speaking on the Significant Others podcast, the Abletts revisited the emotional turmoil they experienced in May 2020 when they first learned that Levi's condition was life-threatening. Jordan recounted, 'I just remember sitting with Gaz in that meeting and when they said it, I just remember absolutely breaking down.' As a mother of three, she emphasized the uncertainty they face daily, noting, 'There is a very short life expectancy which is why I constantly say to people when they ask about Levi... we are literally just taking it day by day, because we have no idea what the future holds.'
The Path to Diagnosis and Support
The journey to diagnosing Levi's condition was fraught with challenges. After consulting multiple paediatricians without success, it was the Geelong Football Club's team doctor who ultimately connected the couple with the appropriate specialist. This paediatrician 'got the ball rolling,' enabling the Abletts to finally obtain the answers they desperately sought about their son's health. Menkes disease is characterized by the body's inability to properly absorb and transport copper, an essential mineral, which results in delayed development and other serious health complications.
Gary Ablett Jr's Illustrious Football Career
Gary Ablett Jr, now 41 years old, has carved out an extraordinary legacy in Australian rules football, often hailed as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the game. Following in the footsteps of his father, Garry 'God' Ablett, he made his AFL debut as an 18-year-old with Geelong in 2002, quickly captivating fans with his exceptional skills on the field.
Throughout his career, Ablett achieved remarkable success, including winning two premierships with the Cats in 2007 and 2009. He later joined the Gold Coast Suns when they entered the AFL competition in 2011, before making a triumphant return to Geelong in 2018. He retired from professional play two years later, but recently made a cameo appearance for the Glenorchy Magpies against North Hobart in Tasmania's Southern Football League.
Reflecting on that experience, Ablett remarked, 'I was really impressed with how skilful the players were. It was just nice to be back out there... unfortunately the head was willing, but the legs weren't working at times.' This glimpse into his post-retirement activities highlights his enduring passion for the sport, even as he focuses on family life and supporting his son through health challenges.
