Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton is currently grappling with a severe case of pneumonia in a hospital’s intensive care unit, as revealed by her daughters.
Olympic icon Mary Lou Retton, celebrated for her historic 1984 Summer Games all-around gymnastics gold, is presently confronting a grave health challenge—severe pneumonia. This distressing news was conveyed by Retton’s daughters, particularly through a heartfelt message shared on a crowdfunding platform by McKenna Kelley.
In this poignant post, Kelley illuminated the severity of her mother’s condition, characterizing the gymnastics Hall of Famer as critically ill and dependent on life support due to her inability to breathe independently. The ordeal has unfolded in the confines of an intensive care unit, where Retton has been fighting this rare form of pneumonia for over a week.
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The whereabouts of Retton’s treatment were undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to the situation. Hailing from West Virginia but residing in Houston, the 55-year-old gymnastics legend has a nationwide following.
McKenna Kelley’s appeal for financial aid, outlined in the crowdfunding statement linked from her verified Instagram account, highlighted the family’s struggle with mounting hospital bills, exacerbated by the absence of medical insurance.
The plea, underscored by a sense of urgency, conveyed the gravity of the situation, with Kelley expressing that any form of assistance would be immensely beneficial for her family and her ailing mother.
Mary Lou Retton‘s achievements extend far beyond the realm of gymnastics; her gold medal success made her a household name. She secured a total of five medals during the 1984 Summer Games, more than any other athlete that season.
Post-competition, Retton seamlessly transitioned into diverse roles, including a stint as a sports commentator, appearances in television shows, and even roles in movies. Her enduring legacy in sports and entertainment makes her current health battle all the more poignant.