Mary Lou Retton’s DWTS Co-Stars Encourage Olympian Amid Health Battle
By Movieguide® Staff
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.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Legendary Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton is “fighting for her life” as she battles pneumonia in the ICU.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” Retton’s daughter McKenna Kelley wrote on a fundraising page for her mother. “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.”
She continued, “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.”
Retton’s daughter Shayla Kelly Schrepfer updated fans on Instagram.
“It’s gonna be a day by day process, and we hope that you guys will respect her boundaries because we want to keep the details between her and our family right now,” she said. “She’s been treated by the best of the best professionals here and it has been such a blessing to have their hands on her, so please continue the prayers and we cannot thank you enough for the love and support that you guys have shown.”
“Please continue to pray for her full recovery,” Schrepfer added in the caption.
John Schneider, DUKES OF HAZZARD star and DWTS competitor, shared with PEOPLE his encouragement to Retton.
“Not only is Mary Lou one of my fellow DANCING WITH THE STARS alumni but she has been part of Children’s Miracle Network hospital for decades. I’ve never met anyone stronger with more zest for life.”
“I feel confident that this amazing yet tiny powerhouse will pull through,” he continued. “I love you, Mary Lou, and remain one of your tallest fans!”
Support for Retton continues to pour in. While her family initially sought $50,000 to help cover medical expenses, they have received over $349,000 as of Thursday morning.
“We didn’t even realize that there are so many people out there that love her just as much as we do,” Schrepfer added. “And it’s been a really hard time for our family. And so just seeing that people love her like that and showing her that support has just meant the world to us and to her, so thank you.”
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