Following the devastating news that legendary gymnast Mary Lou Retton is in the ICU, fans have rallied to raise over $400,000 to cover her medical bills.
As previously reported, the news broke when Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, took to Instagram to share the distressing situation and seek support for her mother's medical costs.
Retton, 55, was revealed to be unable to breathe on her own and has been hospitalized for over a week. To make matters even more challenging, the family is grappling with the financial burden of her medical bills, as the gymnastics icon was not insured.
In an emotional plea to her followers, Kelley stated: "On behalf of my sisters and I, we need y’all’s help. My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life."
Continuing, she revealed the dire situation, saying: "She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured."
Kelley went on to say: "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. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y’all so very much!"
Fans heard Kelley's pleas loud and clear and raised a staggering $416,000 at the time of writing through a spotfund page.
Comments on the page read: "Praying for your mom Mary Lou to recover soon. She has been such an inspiration to everyone. We love her always and pray for her, you, and your family each day."
A second said: "I remember watching your mom as a child and being in awe, sparking my love of gymnastics. I’m still in awe of her and pray that she makes a full recovery. Sending strength to all of you."
Retton's Dancing With The Stars partner, Sasha Farber, revealed that he has spoken to the former gymnast and has claimed that she is "fighting" but said she "kind of wants to give up".
Farber told Entertainment Tonight: "I’ve been talking to her today and she’s fighting. She kind of wants to give up, but I’m sending her videos of her dancing and I’m telling her, 'There’s only one Mary Lou Retton. You’ve got this!'"
Retton is celebrated as one of the most iconic and beloved athletes in the United States. Her crowning achievement was clinching the gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she claimed first place in the all-around competition and secured two silver and two bronze medals.
Notably, she made history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics.
Her dazzling routine on the uneven bars resulted in the creation of a signature move, the 'Retton Flip,' which involved a remarkable front flip from a low to high bar, culminating in her 'sitting' on top of the high bar.
Our thoughts continue to be with Retton and her loved ones.
