‘Blessed’: Olympian Mary Lou Retton Updates Fans on Health
By Movieguide® Contributor
Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was recently discharged from the hospital after suffering from a rare form of pneumonia.
Retton wrote on her social media, “I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement. I am overwhelmed with all the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all.”
“I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process,” she continued. “I appreciate everyone’s respect of my privacy at this time.”
“When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health and hope I can help others who may face the same battle as me,” she concluded.
Retton’s daughter McKenna launched a fundraiser to help her mother cover the hospital expenses. The goal was set at $50,000 but has exceeded that with $459,324.
“Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help,” McKenna wrote in the fundraiser bio shortly after Retton got sick. “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. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”
“We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill,” she concluded. “ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!”
In another update from October 14, McKenna wrote, “We’re thrilled to share some uplifting news. Mom’s progress is truly remarkable. Prayers have been felt and are being answered. Although she remains in ICU, her path to recovery is steadily progressing. Her fighting spirit is truly shining!”
“Her breathing is becoming stronger, and her reliance on machines is diminishing,” McKenna continued. “Though it’s a lengthy journey, witnessing these improvements is incredibly heartening! She’s beginning to respond to treatments. Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your overwhelming love and support.”
Continue to pray for Retton’s recovery.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s DANCING WITH THE STARS co-stars are sharing encouraging messages as she fights a rare form of pneumonia.
Her DWTS partner Sasha Faber told PEOPLE, “I spoke to my Sweet Mary Lou over text, during the show, and I reminded her that she needs to fight harder than ever, there is only ONE Mary Lou and that she has got this.”
The pair competed together in 2018 during the show’s 27th season. Faber added that he sent the former gymnast “pictures from our season, and she said this made her smile.”
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