Mary Lou Retton, the first American female to attain the gold medal in gymnastics in 1984, is fighting for her life. She has a rare form of pneumonia. Mary Lou Retton’s daughters are at her bedside.
In a message posted on Instagram, Mary Lou’s daughter, McKenna Kelly, had this to say,
“My amazing Mom, Mary Lou, has a 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. I will not disclose all the details out of respect for her confidentiality. However, I will divulge that she’s not insured.”
Her daughter then asked for prayers on her mother’s behalf, and if anyone could send any money to help the family and her mother, it would be greatly appreciated.
An Incredible Goal Reached
So far, $278,000 out of a $50,000 goal has been raised to help cover expenses. That is over five times the set goal of $50,000. The money has come from 4,935 individual donors who opened their hearts to contribute their support.
One of Mary Lou’s many fans wrote on Instagram,
“GET WELL MARY LOU!! You are America’s Sweetheart, and we are all rooting for you.”
Another donor left this heartfelt message,
“During the summer of 1984, I was 11 years old, and we had just lost our family home in a house fire. Mary Lou’s brilliant performance at the Olympics was the one spot of joy and inspiration during that difficult time. Please get well soon, Mary Lou.”
Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract illness that affects one or both lungs. It causes inflammation in the air sacs.
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common cause of the condition. However, pneumonia can also be triggered by a virus. People who are immunocompromised can get pneumonia from a fungus.
Pneumonia that requires the level of care that Mary Lou needs can cost a lot. That’s why Mary Lou’s family issued an emotional plea for funds.
Mary Lou’s Inspiring and Well-Earned Fame
Mary Lou won five medals in the 1984 Summer Olympics, including the gold medal. It was the most medals won by any athlete in the Olympics, which were held in Los Angeles.
Mary Lou was only a fresh-faced 16-year-old when she accomplished her dream. Mary Lou inspired a legion of future gymnasts to follow their dreams and make their name in the sport.
Retton was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year in 1984 and featured on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box.
After her win in the Olympics, she continued participating in gymnastics. She won the American Cup all-around competition for the third time in 1985.
Mary Lou was the first gymnast to be officially accepted into the US Olympics Hall of Fame. She retired from the sport in 1986 and then became a sports commentator.
Mary Lou was also in movies like “Naked Gun 33/3, The Final Insult” and “Scrooged.” She also participated in season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars.”
Mary Lou was and is an essential fixture in gymnastics, and her four daughters are athletes, taking after their beautiful and talented mother.
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