Jordan and Gary Ablett ‘can finally talk’ about son Levi’s heartbreaking illness

Jordan and Gary Ablett had chosen not to reveal many details about their little boy’s heartbreaking condition until now.

Jordan Ablett is finally in the right place to reveal details of her difficult journey with five-year-old son Levi.

Ablett, wife of AFL great Gary Ablett Jr, has written a book about her family’s experiences titled One Day at a Time, which is being released in April next year.

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Levi Ablett suffers from a rare degenerative illness, which affects his respiratory system and devastatingly results in a shorter life expectancy.

It has been an arduous journey for the whole family, with Gary and Jordan first discussing their son’s condition back in 2020.

It is unlikely Levi will ever speak and the couple made the difficult decision to not send him to school this year while they continue to care for him.

Jordan, Levi and Gary Ablett. Photos: Daniel Milligan Photography/Getty Images

Levi also receives treatment through the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Jordan has spent the past 12 months putting her experiences down on paper, as she revealed to her Instagram followers on Wednesday.

“I am so excited to finally share with you all that I have been working hard behind the scenes for almost one year now, writing my very own book!” she wrote to her 77,600 followers.

“I can’t begin to explain how special this feels for me, and for my family, who have journeyed all of life’s highs and lows with me, feeling every single bump and joy along the way.

“There have been plenty of tears cried while writing this book, both happy and sad tears, but being able to share my story, and hopefully encourage others, has made all ‘the feels’ worth it.

“I hope that by reading my story, parents of children with a disability will feel less alone, more capable, and will, if they don’t already, look at their child through a different lens, seeing them as what they are, a genuine treasure!”

The whole Ablett family in Jordan's post.

Grace and Levi Ablett. Photo: Instagram

Gary Ablett Jr — whose father was a high-flying full forward in the 1980s and 90s — is one of the great players of the modern era.

Now 40 years old, Ablett Jr played 357 games for Geelong and the Gold Coast, winning two flags with the Cats and a Brownlow Medal with each of his clubs.

He and Jordan also have a daughter Grace and son Ezra and all five are in a gorgeous photo released with Wednesday’s post.

Jordan was keen to thank a number of people after announcing the impending book.

“There will be a better time and place to thank everyone who means so much to me and who has contributed to bringing this book to life,” she added.

“But I’d like to make mention now of my publishers, HarperCollins Australia, for handling my story with such respect and sensitivity.

“My now beautiful friend and co-author, Ellen, for your guidance, and who – let’s face it- has been my therapist at times, helping me unpack the ups and downs of life.

Gary Ablett Jnr with son Levi and dad Gary Ablett Snr. Photo: Instagram

Ablett is an all-time AFL great. Photo: Michael Klein

“And to Gaz and our families, for the many hours of stepping in and helping with our three precious children, allowing me to lock myself away, and write it all out.

“Last, but certainly not least, to our boy Levi, who brings us so much joy, and to my dearly missed and adored mum … I love you.

“It’s about finding joy in what you have, even as you mourn what you have lost, and never taking life for granted.’’

A popular lifestyle influencer, Jordan Ablett posted a photo of her mum Trudy back in May this year with a heartfelt plea to her followers.

Trudy lost a long battle with lung cancer in 2020 and her death came just weeks after the couple announced Levi’s diagnosis.

Jordan shared just how devastated she remained, almost four years since her mum’s passing.

“When your mum is no longer here, you quickly realise how every day is an opportunity to celebrate your mum,” Jordan wrote on Instagram.

“To let her know always, not just on MD (Mother’s Day), how much you love her, and how you appreciate her love and all of her sacrifices.”