HOUSTON — We’re hearing from Houston gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton for the first time since her family shared that she was “fighting for her life” from a rare form of pneumonia.
The Olympic gold medalist dubbed “America’s sweetheart” spent more than two weeks in ICU as her daughters shared updates on her battle. They announced last week that she was home.
Editor’s note: The above video originally aired in 2016.
On Monday, Retton shared her own update on Instagram.
“I’m beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” she posted. I am overwhelmed with the love and support from the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to you all!
“I’m with family continuing to slowly recover and staying very positive as I know this recovery is a long and slow process.
“I appreciate everyone’s respect of my privacy at this time. When the time is right, I will be sharing more information about my health issues and hope I can help others who face the same battle as me.
“I love you all.”
Mary Lou Retton recovering at home
McKenna Kelley, who posted the original message about her mother’s hospitalization, shared a graphic on her Instagram account on Oct. 23 with the news that she was back home.
“Grateful doesn’t even scrape the surface of the posture of our hearts,” McKenna posted. You can read the full post here.
On Oct. 10, McKenna said Retton couldn’t breathe on her own and was “fighting for her life.”
The following week McKenna said her mother was making progress but a few days later, Retton’s oldest daughter Shayla shared that she “had a pretty scary setback.”
Crowdfunding account for Mary Lou Retton far exceeds goal
A crowdfunding account set up to help with Retton’s medical expenses is up to nearly $460,000, including a $50,000 donation from Houston’s Linda McIngvale, wife and business partner of Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngval.
In her original post, McKenna said her mother didn’t have health insurance.
“Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured,” Kelley posted. “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.”
When we first posted the story, the Spotfund account had just over $7,000. By noon the following day, it had surpassed $250,000 and just kept growing with donations from around the world.