Geelong champion Gary Ablett Jr. and his wife Jordan Papalia have been dealing with the family’s major health issues. On 05 July, both husband and wife took to social media and revealed their infant son Levi’s ‘rare and degenerative disease.’
A day before sharing the heartbreaking news, Ablett played his 350th AFL game against Gold Coast at GHMBA Stadium. He capped off a milestone 37-point win over the Suns with an incredible late goal from outside fifty.
The 36-year-old Ablett opened up on two health concerns that have gripped his family while thanking fans and friends for their encouragement and support at GMHBA stadium.
Ablett wrote in a lengthy Instagram post:
“In the recent months, my wife and I have privately fought and continue to fight some pretty tough battles. 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.
He continued:
“After a great amount of thought and consideration, we decided that it’s time to share this with you.”
“We thank you for your love and support and want to emphasise just how grateful we are to be Levi’s parents. 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.”
The 5-foot-10 footballer also delivered a touching tribute to his beloved wife Jordan, saying:
“The biggest thank you needs to go to my wife, Jordan. Without you I wouldn’t have made it to 350 games.”
“All of those nights looking after our boy, allowing me to get a good nights sleep before main training and games. The many things that you do for Levi and I all the while hurting and caring for your mum and also trying to get your head around Levi’s diagnosis. You’re so strong and resilient … I love you Jordan.”
Ablett also paid tribute to the Cats for their support, love, and care during a difficult time. Meanwhile, the Cats announced that the dual Brownlow Medallist will still fly to Sydney as the club enters into its NSW-based hub, while his family will remain in Victoria.
Geelong teammates, along with rival footballers and international sporting stars, poured in their support for Ablett, wife Jordan, and their 17-month-old son.
Jordan also published a heartfelt letter to her son Levi, where she wrote:
“To our dearest Levi, words will never be enough to express just how full our hearts are of love for you. You’ve only been with us for a short while but you’ve already taught us more than some people learn in a lifetime.”
She continued:
“Although it has been a difficult journey and start to life, your diagnosis does not take away any ounce of our love for you. Your joy is contagious and not even this disease is able to steal it from you. We pray for you every day and we will continue to take each day as it comes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCQKBUojhmR/
She ended the note with:
“We don’t know what our future holds together but we do know that you’ll never have to feel alone. We love you, our dear and precious son, love always and forever, your biggest supporters, Mum and Dad.”
Ablett and his wife Jordan tied the knot in an intimate New Year’s Day wedding ceremony on 01 January 2016. They welcomed their son Levi on 15 January 2019.
A week before Jordan gave birth to son Levi, she learned that her mother, Trudy Papalia, had stage four lung cancer.
Ablett is the son of a Geelong legend ‘Gary Ablett Snr,’ one of the greatest players of the modern era. His brother Nathan Ablett played senior football in the 2000s and 2010s. His eldest sister Natasha died in October 2017.
