Mary Lou Retton Receives Support as She Battles Rare Pneumonia Without Insurance

Five-time Olympic medalist Mary Lou Retton, renowned for her outstanding achievements in gymnastics, has found herself facing a dire health challenge. Her daughter recently took to social media to reveal that the athletic icon is “fighting for her life” due to a rare form of pneumonia. As this news spread, an outpouring of financial support has come her way.

Mary Lou Retton, a U.S. gymnast who clinched five Olympic medals, is an iconic figure in the world of sports. She is most famously known for her remarkable performance in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault, securing her the first-ever Olympic all-around title for an American woman. Retton’s excellence extended to winning five medals that year, including two silver and two bronze, in addition to her gold.

The concerning news about Mary Lou Retton’s health was shared by her daughter, McKenna Kelley, who set up a donation page to support her mother’s medical expenses. She provided an update on her mother’s condition, stating that Mary Lou is battling a very rare form of pneumonia and is currently unable to breathe on her own. Her challenging situation has led to an extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

What adds to the gravity of the situation is the revelation that Mary Lou Retton does not have medical insurance. This is where the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has stepped in. Upon learning of her condition, the USOPC is actively working to get Mary Lou Retton approved for assistance through the United States Olympians & Paralympians Relief Fund. This fund is designed to provide aid to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians facing significant hardships resulting from illness, death, or other extenuating circumstances.

USOPC spokesperson Kate Hartman conveyed their support for the relief fund and their immediate action to expedite the application process for Mary Lou’s family to receive assistance. They are diligently addressing the necessary details in real-time and have reached out to Mary Lou’s family to extend their help.

Since the creation of the donation page by McKenna Kelley, there has been an overwhelming response from well-wishers. The page has raised nearly $380,000 from over 6,800 donors, far surpassing its initial goal of $50,000. This remarkable show of solidarity and generosity reflects the deep admiration and respect for Mary Lou Retton, who is remembered as “America’s sweetheart.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter expressed her gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love and support for her mother on social media. She shared that Mary Lou is still in the ICU but is receiving excellent medical care.

Mary Lou Retton’s story is not just one of incredible sporting achievements but also a testament to the compassion and unity that sports enthusiasts and the broader community can demonstrate during difficult times.

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