Mary Lou Retton Defies Odds and Makes Miraculous Progress in ICU Battle Against Pneumonia
Olympian Mary Lou Retton's daughter provides a positive update on her mother's steady progress in recovering from pneumonia while being treated in the hospital
Mary Lou Retton Pam Francis/Getty Images
Olympian Mary Lou Retton's recovery from pneumonia has improved.
"UPDATE! We have some wonderful news to share. My mom's progress is truly remarkable. We have felt the power of prayers and they are being answered," Retton's 26-year-old daughter, McKenna, announced in an Instagram update on Sunday, October 15. "While she is still in the ICU, her recovery is steadily moving forward."
McKenna expressed that her mother's determination is truly inspiring. She mentioned that her mother's breathing is improving and her reliance on machines is decreasing. While acknowledging that the journey is long, McKenna finds immense hope in witnessing these positive changes. She also mentioned that her mother is starting to show response to treatments. In conclusion, McKenna expressed her gratitude for the tremendous love and support they have received.
Mckenna recently provided an update on Retton's condition, stating that she is currently battling a life-threatening illness. Retton, who is 55 years old, has been hospitalized with a very uncommon type of pneumonia for more than a week. In light of this, Mckenna also shared a link to a SpotFund online fundraiser page to assist with the family's medical expenses. On Tuesday, October 10, Mckenna expressed her gratitude for any assistance and support from others, stressing the importance of their help for her family and mother.
One day after, an Instagram video from Retton's daughter Shayla, 28, provided fans with another update on the former athlete's condition. (Retton, who shares four daughters — Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, 23, and Emma, 21, with her ex-husband, Shannon Kelley.)
Courtesy of Mary Lou Retton /Instagram
Shayla shared in her post on Wednesday, October 11, that Retton is still fighting and emphasized that it will be a day-by-day process. She kindly requested that everyone respects her boundaries and keeps the details between Retton, their family, and themselves. Shayla also mentioned that Retton is under the care of top-notch doctors and medical professionals, but expressed feeling overwhelmed with the entire situation, along with her sisters.
"We were unaware of the immense love for her from others until now," remarked Shayla. "This has been a challenging time for our family, so witnessing the outpouring of support from people who care about her has been incredibly meaningful to us and to her."
Sasha Farber, Retton's former partner on Dancing With the Stars, has also expressed his unwavering support for the beloved star and urged her not to lose hope. "I've been in contact with her today, and she's fighting," shared Farber, 39, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday. "She's contemplating giving up, but I'm sending her videos of her own remarkable dances, reminding her that she is irreplaceable. I assure her, 'There is only one Mary Lou Retton. You can conquer this!'"
Retton, who is most famous for her gold medal win in the individual all-around gymnastics competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, appeared on season 27 of DWTS in 2018. Unfortunately, she and Farber were eliminated in the sixth week of the competition. Having retired from gymnastics in 1986, she was honored with induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
