Mary Lou Retton Experiences “Scary Setback” While In ICU

Mary Lou Retton / Instagram

Daughter Of Mary Lou Retton Shares A Disheartening Update   

Olympic Gold-medalist, Mary Lou Retton, is currently hospitalized in the ICU battling a rare and serious form of pneumonia. Earlier this week, the family shared that Retton had made “remarkable” progress and had begun to respond to treatments. 

Her oldest daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, posted a video to Instagram Wednesday (Oct 18) with an update for those who have been following her mom’s health battle. In the video, Schrepfer shares: 

“At the beginning of this week, we were going on the up and up. We were so excited, seeing so much progress, and then yesterday we had a pretty scary setback.” 

Schrepfer did not share details of what the setback entailed, but added that Retton is still in the ICU and that they are “working through some things” in regard to the setback. 

Mary Lou Retton’s Daughter Thanks Fans for Their Support 

In the video, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer adds: 

“I just wanted to give an update and thank you guys again for the support. I’ve been getting so many messages and emails… it’s so great to see people love on her.” 

A tremendous outpouring of support was seen after Retton’s daughter McKenna made a crowdfunding site to help share the news of her mother’s condition and raise support to help with medical costs. The fund has raised over $450,000 at the time of publication. 

Retton won over America’s hearts when she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal and was the most awarded athlete of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She once again graced the screen in 2018 when she competed on “Dancing With The Stars” alongside professional dancer Sasha Farber

We are praying for healing for Mary Lou Retton and perseverance for her family! 

Enjoy a look back at one of Mary Lou Retton’s DWTS performances below.