Shayla Retton’s Brave Battle with Pneumonia: A Remarkable Journey of Strength and Hope
Mary Lou Retton’s daughter, Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, provides a daily account of her mother's resilient fight against pneumonia Stay updated on the progress of the Olympic gymnast's recovery
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Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s daughter Shayla Kelley Schrepfer is sharing an update on her mom’s ongoing battle with pneumonia.
Schrepfer, 28, uploaded a video to Instagram on Wednesday, October 11, stating that despite the ongoing battle, Retton, 55, is determined to keep fighting. The family intends to keep the specifics confidential and requests that the public respects their boundaries. Schrepfer expressed gratitude towards the top-notch medical professionals caring for Retton and thanked her mother's fans for their overwhelming support.
"We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for our sister. It's been an incredibly challenging time for our family, and to see so many people with the same love and admiration for her is truly heartwarming. The support that she has received means the world to us and to her."
Schrepfer's remarks followed her sister McKenna Lane Kelley's announcement on social media on Tuesday, October 10, confirming that Retton had been hospitalized due to complications from pneumonia. Kelley, 26, also shared a link to a SpotFund fundraiser, which has already surpassed its goal of $50,000.
Courtesy of Shayla Schrepfer/Instagram
Kelley shared on the page that her mother, Mary Lou, is currently battling a rare and life-threatening form of pneumonia. Despite being in the ICU for more than a week, Mary Lou is unable to breathe on her own. Out of consideration for her and her privacy, Kelley chooses not to share all the intricate details surrounding her mother's condition. However, she did reveal the distressing fact that Mary Lou does not have insurance coverage.
Retton, along with Schrepfer and McKenna, also has two daughters, Skyla, 23, and Emma, 21, from her previous marriage to Shannon Kelley, whom she divorced in 2018.
Retton achieved great success as a gymnast, earning a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This historic win made her the first American woman to secure gold in that event. Additionally, she garnered two silver medals and two bronze medals during her career.
Retton retired in 1986 and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2005, she participated on season 27 of Dancing With the Stars alongside partner Sasha Farber. However, they were eliminated during the sixth week of the competition. Farber, 39, has maintained contact with Retton during her ongoing health challenges.
"I had a conversation with her today and she is putting up a strong fight," the DWTS professional shared with Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday. "Although she's feeling inclined to give up, I am supporting her by sending videos of her dancing and encouraging her with words like, 'There's no one else like Mary Lou Retton. You can do this!'"
He went on to say, "It is important to connect with the people who matter to you, greeting them, and reaching out to them. Today, I have been in touch with her. She possesses a resilient spirit. She will excel."
