It’s been just over a year since Beacon joined Team USA Gymnastics as one of a team of therapy dogs in February 2023. However, the golden retriever soon became the “star of the show” according to chief communications and marketing officer Jill Geere. Unfortunately, the four-year-old, four-legged star of Team USA is sadly grappling with a health scare and is in emergency care.

“Beacon was admitted yesterday to an emergency pet hospital after some symptoms he was having (stiffness, moving into labored breathing, and then fever) were not reacting to treatments (anti-inflammatory meds, cold laser therapy).” posted Beacon’s official Instagram handle. The shocking news took the community by surprise. Besides the fans, athletes such as Hezly Rivera, Khoi Young, and even the official handles of USA Gymnastics and Inside Gymnastics Magazine flocked to the comments section.

Team USA’s golden girl, Hezly Rivera, spoke for the entire community with her comment. “We love you Beacon,” wrote the 16-year-old team gold medalist. Unfortunately, despite Tracey Callahan Molnar’s wasting no time to provide care and admit him to the hospital, veterinarians are yet to determine what’s wrong with Team USA’s mental health mascot.

Initial x-rays found fluid in the Beacon’s chest cavity and he had a high fever. When the vet couldn’t get the fever under control, the doctor recommended admitting the dog to emergency care. Molnar, who has been a part of USA Gymnastics for four decades, adopted Beacon when he was just an eight-week-old baby. She revealed the hospital has continued to conduct several tests.

“Some diagnostics have been done but more to go. My understanding is that there are many potential causes, therefore, many things to rule out.” wrote Molnar. She also promised to update everyone about Beacon’s health as soon as she learned something new. While the therapy dog is a star in his own right, even Molnar may have been surprised by the support.

The Gymnastics community rallied behind Beacon in more ways than one!

Athletes and fans on the gymternet united to send their love and prayers to the furry hero of Team USA. Paris Olympics alternate gymnast Khoi Young commented that he was “hoping for the best,” for Beacon. Others also chose to look at a positive outcome. “Love and prayers going your way Beacon! Sending lots of hugs and kisses. You got this!” commented an Instagram user.

Before adopting Beacon, Molnar lost her dog Tulsa. The former gymnast had registered Tulsa as a pet therapy dog and the animal acted in that role for over six years before passing away. Now Beacon’s sudden illness has reopened old wounds. “My biggest request is to please, please send beacon good wishes,” the former coach wrote in her Instagram post.

That’s exactly what the gymnastics community has done. “Oh Beacon!! I hope they figure it out and you are feeling better very soon! We all love you,” commented another fan, wishing for a quick resolution to the mystery illness. “Praying answers are found and sweet Beacon has a full recovery. Hugs to you to, Tracey!!!!” commented one fan who understood just how much how emotionally exhausted Beacon’s caretaker must feel.

However, people have gone above and beyond sending their love and prayers to Team USA’s four-year-old member. “Nooooooo. Beacon we love you. Keep fighting,” wrote Simone Biles’ sister-in-law, Sammi Biles. Biles also ensured that financial obstacles didn’t hinder Beacon’s fight for survival. “Please donate if you feel… Beacon and Tracy are the sweetest huan+pup duo,” wrote Sammi Biles while sharing Beacon’s GoFundMe page.

Beacons GoFundMe campaign has already reached $11,462 of the $12,000 goal. While it’s proof of just how much the gymnastics community cares for the dog, there’s not much else left to do than to wait and hope for the best. As of the time of writing, Tracey Callahan Molnar has yet to post any new updates.