In 2023, the gymnastics world was stunned as news spread that Mary Lou Retton, the trailblazing American gymnast who clinched the all-around gold medal at the Olympics, battled for her life. McKenna Kelley, her daughter, shared the scary update: “My amazing mom, Mary Lou, is battling a very rare form of pneumonia, fighting for her life in the ICU.”

The community was taken aback when Kelley initiated a crowdfunding campaign despite her mother’s legendary status. Months later, despite the generous outpouring of support exceeding $500,000, Mary Lou Retton’s battle with illness persists, and she has staunchly defended her family against critics who questioned their decision to crowdfund despite her fame.

Gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton opens up about her health and financial battle

In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, 56-year-old Mary Lou Retton talked about a serious illness she had seven months ago that made it hard for her to breathe. She admitted that doctors were still unable to pinpoint the exact nature of her condition, saying, “They still don’t know what’s wrong with me. They’re calling it a rare form of pneumonia.” In the interview, she also highlighted the significant financial burden of medical costs, including expensive ambulance bills, and shared that her daughters’ support was indispensable in this challenging time.

Her family raised almost $500,000 to help pay for her medical bills, but some people were upset at the time because they didn’t say exactly where the money was going. Yet, amid the outpouring of generosity, her daughters faced unwarranted backlash for starting a SpotFund account. Mary Lou Retton said, “They didn’t deserve that. They were just trying to take care of me. I don’t care about the naysayers.”

Mary Lou shared the heartbreaking reality of her financial struggles, from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on job opportunities to the aftermath of her divorce from former NFL player Shannon Kelley in 2018. With candid sincerity, she revealed, “There was no work whatsoever, so I mean, it’s not like it used to be. Let’s say that the height of my fame was years ago and I [was] just doing enough to make it, doing enough to pay my bills.”

The gymnastics veteran reassured fans that every dollar raised would be dedicated to covering her medical expenses, with any surplus being donated to the American Lung Association. As we contemplate these words, let’s explore how her struggle with illness and medical expenses began.

How the upward climb began

In October 2023, Mary Lou’s daughter, Mckenna Kelley, shared an update about her mother’s critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit, where she was battling “a very rare form of pneumonia.” While sharing the need to respect her mother’s privacy, Mckenna appealed to gymnastics fans and the community for assistance with both prayers and financial support for the hospital bills. The response was overwhelming, with donations surpassing the initial $50,000 goal to reach $459,354, contributed by over 8,300 individuals.

However, questions arose about why an esteemed athlete like Mary Lou faced financial hardship. Shedding light on the situation in an exclusive interview with USA Today, Kelley explained that her mother couldn’t afford insurance due to her extensive medical history, which included “over 30 orthopedic surgeries, including four hip replacements.”

On October 23, 2023, after a prolonged hospital stay, Mary Lou was finally discharged following her battle with rare pneumonia. Her daughters, McKenna and Shaley, shared the news of her release on Instagram, announcing that she was “in recovery mode” at home. Months later, Mary Lou herself bravely opened up about the grueling ordeal she endured.

Mary Lou Retton was found on the floor, gasping for air

In an exclusive interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb in January 2024, Mary Lou Retton, accompanied by her daughter Shayla Schrepfer, recounted the harrowing moment when she found herself struggling for breath on her bedroom floor due to rare pneumonia. She described feeling utterly helpless and alone, unable to even summon the strength to rise.

Fortunately, a vigilant neighbor noticed her plight and came to her aid, ultimately saving her life. Despite the medical team’s uncertainty and discussions about being put on the ventilator, Retton’s resilient spirit prevailed, leading to a remarkable recovery after a month in the hospital.

However, even as she regained strength, she revealed her ongoing struggle to take deep breaths. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Retton disclosed that she still relies on oxygen tubes daily as she continues her recovery. Despite facing permanent lung scarring and mental challenges, Retton maintains a positive outlook, eagerly waiting for milestones like her daughter’s upcoming wedding and the arrival of her first grandchild, Penelope.

Reflecting on Mary Lou Retton’s journey, it’s clear that her family’s support has been her anchor through adversity. The overwhelming outpouring of love showed the enduring legacy she established during her Olympics that still deeply resonates with people across America. What are your thoughts on her journey? Comment below!