Former Olympic gold medalist, Mary Lou Retton, is currently fighting for her life and is unable to breathe on her own due to a rare form of pneumonia. The 55-year-old retired gymnast has been in the ICU for nearly two weeks now – according to her daughter, McKenna Kelley, who posted about it on Instagram.
However, in the update her fans have been waiting for her other daughter, Shayla says things are in fact looking up.
“We’re thrilled to share some uplifting updates! Mom’s progress is truly remarkable! Prayers have been felt and have been answered. Although she remains in the ICU, her path to recovery is steadily unfolding,” Shayla wrote.
“Her fighting spirit is truly shining! Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing. Though it’s a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She’s responding so well to treatments. Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love and support.”
Kelley shared a link to a Spotfund page with a goal of raising $50,000 to help with her mother’s hospital expenses because she’s allegedly ‘uninsured.’ She asks her mother’s fans to do two things in her honor: “1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill,” she wrote in the description.
“Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help,” she added – saying that she didn’t want to disclose all the details. “My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now.”
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The Spotfund page ended up raising way more than the goal of $50,000 – as of Thursday (Oct. 13), the page has raised $404,000 thanks to 7,392 donors (4,370 of whom left words of encouragement). Nearly three dozen people and organizations left donations of at least $1,000 – but one stood out from the rest.
That donation came from none other than Jim McIngvale – who most of us know as Mattress Mack, a legend in the Houston area. He and his wife, Linda McIngvale, made a donation of $50,000 – matching the initial goal – and ensuring she gets the best help possible as she continues to battle her rare disease.
“My parents taught me, and I try to teach my children, and Linda certainly lives that life, that the essence of living is giving. People get in a hard spot, let’s help ’em out because one of these days, all of us will be in a hard spot,” Jim McIngvale said in a recent interview with TMZ. “We’re thrilled to help our Mary Lou.”
Mary Lou’s other daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, posted a video on Instagram thanking everyone for the love and support they’ve shown her mother over the past week – which caught them by surprise. “We didn’t even realize that there’s so many people out there that love her just as much as we do,” she said.
U.S. Olympic Committee Shows Their Support for Mary Lou Retton
Fans aren’t the only ones making sure Mary Lou Retton is given the care she needs and deserves – the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has also pledged financial support. They released a statement that said they’re currently trying to ‘expedite the application process for her family to receive assistance.’
“Mary Lou Retton has been an incredible icon and a source of inspiration in the US Olympic movement. Her groundbreaking achievements, particularly as the first American woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics, have left an indelible mark on the sports landscape. Retton’s relentless spirit, verve, and dedication continue to inspire countless athletes across the country, embodying the true spirit of the Olympics,” they wrote in the statement.
For those who don’t know or need a refresher, Mary Lou Retton was a professional gymnast who represented the United States at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, CA. She won two bronze medals (uneven bars and floor), two silver medals (team and vault), and one gold medal (all-around).
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“We all hold her in our hearts during this challenging time and are hopeful for her to make a full recovery. Our thoughts and best wishes are with her and her family. We know that if anyone can tackle challenges with strength and grace, it’s Mary Lou,” the U.S. Olympic Committee concluded in their statement.
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