American pride Mary Lou Retton‘s potential health risks are growing worrisome with each passing moment. Back in her prime era, the American Olympic champion became the only female athlete to receive perfect 10s in routines. At the 1984 LA Games, she took home five medals out of six events including an all-around gold. The same year, the American Press named her Amateur of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year. Retton built her name not just as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time but also as a television personality, motivational speaker, and brand advocate.
The 55-year-old gymnast is currently ?fighting for her life,? after being diagnosed with a rare kind of health scare. In?the face of a grave life threat, Retton’s daughters penned a heartfelt note reflecting on the abundance of blessings.
Gymnastics perfectionist mother struggles for life
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The renowned former gymnast is battling a rare form of pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU) after spending more than a week in the hospital. Retton had been admitted to a hospital in Texas after she was unable to breathe on her own. Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared information on her mother’s condition on Tuesday. She posted another update on Instagram?saying, “We ask for continued prayers and positive thoughts for our Mom.”
Retton?s eldest daughter wrote an overwhelming message saying, “My sisters Skyla, Shayla, Emma and I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support for our Mom. Mom is in ICU and continues to fight. She is getting incredible medical care! Thank you to all the doctors and nurses!” Retton and her ex-husband Shannon Kelley, whom she divorced in 2018, share four kids ? Shayla, Skyla, Emma, and McKenna.
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After the health update went public, Shayla said, ?Our number one concern is the well being of our mom.? She further added,??It?s gonna be a day by day process, and we hope that you guys will respect her boundaries because we want to keep the details between her and our family right now.? When it was revealed that the first Olympic Golden Charm didn’t have health insurance, a charity fund was set up which received a positive response.
Gymnastics legend blessed with outpouring love
McKenna started a Spotfund to raise money for her mother’s medical expenses as the days added. After the icon’s week-long hospital stay spread over the news, fans of the former Olympian pooled the family’s fundraising target by five times in less than a day. Last updated this Wednesday morning, more than 4,000 contributors had donated over $250,000.
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Retton’s kind supporters have made it their mission to spread the campaign which saw kind words in abundance for the gymnast and her family. Even John Schneider, Retton’s rival in Dancing with the Stars Season 27, highlighted her strength saying, “I?ve never met anyone stronger with more zest for life.” With their unconditional support and affection, fans are praying for the well-being and safe return of their beloved gymnastics star to her home.
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