NEWSMary Lou Retton's Fundraiser Reaches Almost $200K in Donations After Gymnast's Heartbreaking Health Battle Is Revealed
Oct. 11 2023, Published 12:03 p.m. ET
Mary Lou Retton has a lot of people in her corner as she battles a serious medical issue.
After the gymnast's daughter McKenna Lane Kelley revealed the news on October 10, donations have been pouring in on her SpotFund page to help with medical bills.
Mary Lou Retton is 'fighting for her life' amid her health battle.
One day prior, the family raised $5,805 of the $50,000 goal she set. One day later, the goal has been surpassed, as $192,216 has been donated to the athlete during this time.
As OK! previously reported, Retton is currently very sick.
The gymnast has a rare form of pneumonia.
Kelly then shared a spotfund link on her Instagram Story and explained what was going on with her mom. "Hey everyone! On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very 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. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured," she stated. "We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!"
The well-wishes have poured in for Retton, who who scooped five medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. One person wrote, "Many prayers and love to you Mary Lou, one of my childhood idols," while another said, "You are an inspiration to my people around the world! We love you then and now."
A third person said, "Praying for healing!"
- Sad Last Days: Gymnast Mary Lou Retton 'Fighting for Her Life' as She Battles Rare Form of Pneumonia
- Mary Lou Retton Celebrates Christmas With Her 4 Daughters as Gymnast Recovers From Life-Threatening Battle With Pneumonia
- Mary Lou Retton Confesses She'll Need an Oxygen Tube for at Least Another Year as Doctors 'Still Don't Know' What's Wrong With Her
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A lot of donations have poured in for the athlete.
Retton later retired after the Los Angeles Games and went on to become a motivational speaker and commentator. She was the first gymnast to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
“I knew that I was not going to be one of those athletes that’s just hanging onto the sport and couldn’t retire, couldn’t let it go. I wanted people to remember me as a winner and as a champion and not some struggling older athlete that just can’t let it go. That was important to me,” Retton told NBC Sports in 2016.
Mary Lou Retton's daughter shared the sad news on Instagram.
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Retton later married quarterback Shannon Kelley, whom she married in 1990.
Retton and Kelley share four daughters: Shayla, Skyla, Emma and McKenna.
