Jordan Ablett has provided a heartwarming update on the condition of her son, Levi.
The wife of Geelong legend Gary Ablett has told the Herald Sun that the youngster is “doing great” and that despite his condition he’s “never lost his big smile”.
The couple had previously kept some details of Levi’s condition secret, sharing only that their brave son suffers from a rare degenerative illness.
Last year they revealed their son has a rare condition called Menkes.
The degenerative illness affects Levi’s respiratory system and devastatingly results in a shorter life expectancy.
Those with Menkes struggle to absorb copper, an essential mineral for the human body. Those that live with low copper levels in their system can face a number of deficiencies, including neurological function.
It is unlikely Levi will ever speak and the couple made the difficult decision to not send him to school while they continue to care for him.
But on the eve of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, Jordan shared images of the family while talking about their lives.
“He’s doing great,’’ Jordan told the Herald Sun.
“He turned seven at the beginning of the year which I’m still trying to get my head around. There haven’t been significant changes and he still requires the same level of care.
“Thankfully though Levi has never lost his big smile and is still showing us how to be present and live in the moment.”
Jordan revealed that they now require less trips to the Royal Childen’s Hospital, but they still have scheduled appointments with specialists.
The couple are “going really well” as they continue to care for Levi while also having two other growing kids in daughter Grace and son Ezra.
Levi was diagnosed in May 2020, with Jordan stating it wasn’t until last year when she was able to process everything to a point where she is comfortable talking about Menkes.
“I always knew deep down that I would eventually be open and transparent about it. I don’t know what good can possibly come from not being that.” Ablett said.
“I didn’t want people to misinterpret me holding onto that information as being ashamed of Levi. It was purely a matter of me just trying and needing to process it all first myself. I knew that once I could do that, I’d be in a position where I could then offer encouragement and hope to others through our journey.”
Jordan is an ambassador for the Good Friday Appeal and is encouraging everyone to get on board and support the cause.
To donate to the Good Friday Appeal, click goodfridayappeal.com.au
