Inside AFL Star Gary Ablett Jr's 1-Year-Old Son Levi's Battle with a Rare Degenerative Disease

The player's family has had to face great challenges throughout this year 2020. Not only the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their lives, but other diseases have also left their tragic mark.

Gary Ablett Jr, 34, is an Australian AFL player, as was his father. Ablett Jr is married to Jordan Ablett, 35, and together they have a 1-year-old son Levi. This year has been difficult for everyone, as the pandemic has caught us off guard and caused many losses.

Beyond the world situation, the player has been fighting his own personal battles. On his Instagram account, Ablett Jr shared that he and his wife Jordan were going through the diagnosis of their young son. The couple's son, Levi, has been diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease.

Several days ago Ablett Jr publicly thanked the support he has received throughout this hard year. Although his team could not win the final, he thanked the fans for all the support received.

The now-retired player wrote: “I also just want to thank you very much for pausing your celebrations last night to send me off with a guard of honour. Lastly to my family, there’s no way I could have achieved what I have without your constant love, encouragement and support... I’m looking forward to what’s to come for our family.”

TRAGICAL YEAR

During this year, the Ablett Jr family has not only faced this illness of their beloved toddler Levi. Jordan's mother, Ablett Jr's mother-in-law, lost her fight against lung cancer in August.

Despite this situation, Ablett Jr's wife has commented that she has much to be thankful for because now that her son's diagnosis is known, they can be directed to a treatment that improves his prognosis.

Speaking of her mother's illness, Jordan also said that she is thankful that she did not catch Covid-19. She is also grateful that her mother was able to be at home, cared for by her loved ones, and left surrounded by the love of her three daughters.

FAMILY FIRST

The Geelong Cats star retired from the AFL the night his team lost the 2020 Grand Final. With tears in his eyes, the now-former player was honored by his teammates and by the fans who were watching the game.

Accompanied by his wife and son, Ablett Jr. said goodbye after a brilliant career with 357 games. Despite losing the big game, he smiled as he spoke to his son, before kissing the toddler's cheek.

During the game, Ablett Jr. was injured in his shoulder, however, he summoned all his strength to complete the game, giving his best in this Grand Final. His team captain Joel Selwood recognized Ablett's successful career at the end of the game speech.

SUPPORTING HIS BRAVE BOY

During the last concentration of players, Jordan and her son Levi stayed in Victoria and did not accompany her husband. A few days before leaving for Queensland, the player shared a tender photo on Instagram with his son.

He captioned it with: “We got some special boots fitted for our brave boy yesterday. He’s a happy and determined boy who is showing our family there is so much to be grateful for” wrote Ablett Jr.