Jordan Ablett opens up about motherhood to son Levi
Jordan Ablett has endured a year where she lost her mum to cancer and shared son Levi’s battles with a rare degenerative disease. Now she reveals the challenges of Levi’s diagnosis and the rewards getting her through.
Confidential
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Jordan Ablett, wife of footy star Gary Ablett. has opened up about having the best and most precious job being a mother to son Levi who suffers from a rare degenerative disease.
Ablett says her perspective has changed having a child with health battles and it’s why she has become an ambassador for the My Room Children’s Cancer Charity.
“It has certainly been challenging but also the best,’’ Ablett said.
“Mothering Levi has given me a great insight into families who are in the same position with their own children. I know first-hand how complex it is and how it’s a completely different parenting experience, though still so rewarding.
“I feel privileged to be entrusted with such a precious responsibility, and to care for Levi, who needs us and who we love so deeply and fiercely.
“I’ve always had a heart for vulnerable people, especially children and I love that My Room share that same passion. Having also lost my Mum recently to cancer and having a child with his own heath battles, I can really relate and appreciate how essential this level of support is.”
Ablett and husband Gary have been visiting the Royal Children’s Hospital for help with 20-month-old Levi’s condition. She said it had given them a greater understanding into the level of care required to support patients.
For Jordan it has personally been a tough year after losing her mother Trudy to cancer in August, and she is still processing the year that’s been.
“It has been really tough … I know that that’s something that will take time,’’ she said.
“Thankfully we are surrounded by the most wonderful people in our family, close friends and even the wider-community who continues to overwhelm us with their constant love and support.”
Gary will play his 357th and final match in a grand final on Saturday.
Jordan said it had been a sentimental time being away in the hub on the Gold Coast where Gary spent seven seasons. She says the dual Brownlow medallist, two-time premiership player and eight time All-Australian, deserves a special farewell.
“Of course he’d love to sign-off on his career with another premiership, but I think just getting the opportunity to play in another Grand Final has meant so much to him already and to all of us who love him,’’ she said.
“(It’s) so special and I am just so thankful that this is the way Gaz gets to hang up his boots. He absolutely deserves this kind of ending. It is sad that our families can’t be physically here with us but in saying that, people have been unable to see their own families and even say goodbye to loved ones for a long time now which certainly keeps everything in perspective.
“Although it would have been nice to have our families join us for this moment, we’re just grateful that Levi and I are here and can attend the game on Saturday. Hopefully we can celebrate ‘something special’ with the family post-season.”
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