Mary Lou Retton’s Health is “Steadily Progressing”
Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is making steady progress in her health battle according to an Instagram post shared by her daughter McKenna Kelley on Saturday.
Although Retton remains in the intensive care unit, her daughter shared that “her fighting spirit is truly shining” and that “her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing.”
Kelley added the good news that Retton is beginning to respond to treatments.
Mary Lou Retton is Battling A Rare and Serious Form of Pneumonia
On October 10, the family of Mary Lou Retton shared the frightening news that she was in the ICU with a rare form of pneumonia and was “fighting for her life.”
The original message from her daughter revealed that Retton was not currently able to breathe on her own and added:
“Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured.”
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Fans Rallied to Support Mary Lou Retton and Her Family
The news of Retton’s condition was originally shared by way of a crowdfunding site where Retton’s family asked for prayer and financial help. While the original fundraising goal was set at $50,000, as news of the beloved gymnast’s condition spread, that goal was quickly met and surpassed.
As of Monday morning (Oct 16), the fund had generated more than $430,000 from over 8,000 donors in a display of support that can only be described as remarkable.
Please join us in praying for a full recovery for Mary Lou Retton!
Mary Lou Retton and her Olympic coach reflect on the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the video below.