Berina Colakovic, spouse of former rugby league star Jai Arrow, has candidly shared the profound emotional toll of his motor neurone illness (MND) analysis, revealing the darkish questions that plague her thoughts about their future and their younger daughter’s life.
The analysis has pressured Colakovic to confront anxieties about whether or not their one-year-old daughter, Ayla, will actually know her father because the illness progresses. The couple, who married in a shock ceremony in Sydney on July 5, introduced their wedding ceremony ahead on account of considerations about Arrow’s deteriorating well being.
Colakovic, a Canadian digital marketer who met Arrow in 2021, admitted to a interval of denial following the preliminary signs. “I’ve moments. I will be crying on the best way to Ayla’s daycare and pondering, ‘Am I going to be a widow earlier than the age of 40?’ ‘Is she going to know her dad? Are we going to have the ability to develop our household?'” she confessed.
The primary indicators of Arrow’s MND appeared final yr, with a noticeable twitch in his left shoulder. “The entire time till we obtained the MND analysis in Could I simply stated, ‘No, no, it is not that,'” Colakovic recounted, describing her preliminary disbelief.
A Heartbreaking Encounter and a Public Announcement
A very poignant second for Colakovic occurred at an MND fundraiser final November. Witnessing a father whose speech had been severely impacted by the illness left her deeply affected. “I keep in mind pondering, ‘God, I hope this does not occur to anyone. It is horrible,'” she recalled, unaware that her personal husband would quickly face the identical devastating actuality.
Seven months later, the rugby league group was rocked by the announcement of Arrow’s retirement from the game on account of his situation. Since his analysis turned public, Colakovic famous that Arrow has been exceptionally lively, dedicating himself to numerous therapies and fundraising efforts.
Specializing in Household and Future Planning
Regardless of the immense challenges, Arrow is actively concerned in organizing sensible issues for his or her household’s future. “It is stuff you needn’t do once you’re 31,” Colakovic remarked, highlighting the untimely burden of such duties.
Arrow has been present process intensive well being therapies, together with looking for remedy at a world-class facility in Spain. He’s additionally dedicated to elevating consciousness and funds for MND analysis.
The outpouring of help from the sporting world has been important. Each his former membership, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the Nationwide Rugby League (NRL) have held particular fundraising occasions. Tributes have come from gamers throughout numerous leagues, together with the Australian Soccer League (AFL) and England’s Tremendous League.
The Queensland State of Origin group additionally included Arrow of their marketing campaign, inviting him to their camp and permitting him to current the defend earlier than the ultimate recreation of the sequence. Arrow has additionally expressed his intention to journey to New York to observe the FIFA World Cup ultimate along with his spouse, daughter, and mom.
Trying Forward: A Second Marriage ceremony and Cherished Moments
Arrow himself has spoken concerning the urgency imposed by his situation. “Basically, I haven’t got time on my facet,” he informed the Sydney Morning Herald. “It has been overwhelming, the quantity of help, and I’m actually having fun with life.”
The couple is planning a second wedding ceremony ceremony in Italy later this yr, this time aspiring to rejoice with a wider circle of family and friends. They’d turn into engaged in Sicily in October 2024.
Colakovic shared her pleasure concerning the upcoming Italian celebration on Instagram: “Do not know the way Italy will high this one however we will not wait to rejoice with all our household and associates.” The preliminary wedding ceremony, witnessed by shut associates and their child daughter Ayla Rae, was a non-public affair. Colakovic expressed gratitude for individuals who attended, together with the Beath household, acknowledging their position in making the elopement particular.
Photographs from the intimate Sydney wedding ceremony confirmed Arrow in a tuxedo and Colakovic in a white mini costume and veil, with Ayla current. The couple had introduced they had been anticipating their first baby in December 2024, with Ayla Rae born in April 2025.
The journey since Arrow’s public announcement has been marked by each profound unhappiness and noteworthy resilience, with the couple drawing energy from one another, their daughter, and the widespread help they’ve obtained.
