Mary Lou Retton is 'still fighting for her life,' says daughter as fundraiser for gymnast crosses $267K
HOUSTON, TEXAS: Mary Lou Retton, an Olympic Gymnast champion who is battling a rare pneumonia infection in the ICU, hasn't shown any positive indiaction of recovery, according to her daughter.
In a latest health update, Retton, 55, remains in critical condition for more than a week at a hospital in Texas where she was is unable to breathe on her own.
Her four daughters, Shayla, Skyla, Emma and McKenna, have been by her side and have asked for prayers and privacy for their mother.
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Mary Lou Retton's daughter says she is still fighting
Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, Retton’s oldest daughter, shared an update on her mother's health in an Instagram video on Wednesday, October 11.
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She said Retton is “still fighting” and that they are grateful for the “best of the best professionals” who are treating her.
She said, "It has been a hard time for the family" and also thanked everyone for the “love and support” they have shown for Retton, "which has meant the world to us."
She said the support for Retton was "overwhelming" and that "we didn't realise there are so many people out there who love her like we do."
She added that they want to respect their mother's privacy and keep the details of her illness within the family and that her recovery is going to be a "day-by-day process."
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Schrepfer told People, “Our number one concern is the well being of our mother."
She added, “That being said, being by her side is our first priority.”
Mary Lou Retton's fundraiser donations crosses 267K as people pray for her to 'get well soon'
Schrepfer’s video came after her sister McKenna Kelley launched a fundraising campaign on Spotfund on Tuesday, October 10, to help cover Retton’s medical expenses.
McKenna, who also followed in her mother's footsteps as a gymnast for Louisiana State University, revealed that Retton is not insured and has “a very rare form of pneumonia”.
She asked for donations to help pay for Retton’s treatment and recovery. The fundraiser has already crossed $267K as of Wednesday, October 11.
People continue to donate and pray for the icon who made made history in 1984 when she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the Olympics in Los Angeles, as reported by People.
'Keep fighting, girl!': People pray for Mary Lou Retton
"Hi Mary Lou, Please get better. We are all rooting for you--just like we did in the Olympics," a few of anonymous donators wrote on her fundraiser.
"Get well soon!," added one more. "God bless you! Keep fighting, girl!," another fan and donator Madeline Giordano wrote.
"We are in agreement for total healing for Mary Lou! You got this! A true legend of the 80’s and American gymnastics!," Scott Decker wrote.
Mary Lou also won two silver medals and two bronze medals at the same event.
She is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and an inspiration for generations of athletes.
