Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Mary Lou Retton is reportedly "fighting for her life in intensive care" while battling a rare form of pneumonia.
The news was shared by the 55-year-old's daughter McKenna Kelley, who shared a link to a fundraiser for her medical costs on her Instagram story.
Kelley revealed that Retton is not able to breathe on her own and has been in the hospital for over a week, and the family needs help covering her medical costs as the athlete was not insured.
She told her followers: "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."
Kelley continued: "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."
She added: "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!"
The SpotFund account had been set up with an initial target of $50,000 but has already surpassed its goal, currently having raised over $140,000.
Fans of the sports star also shared their well-wishes in the comments, adding: "We love you and thank you for your talent and loving personality that you brought to the Olympic sport of gymnastics. You are such an inspiration. We pray for healing and comfort".
Others added: "i still remember sitting glued to the television back when i was eight, watching you redefine my entire generation's understanding of what us girls can do. all of my love to you and your family," and: "Thanks for the wonderful memories that you provided to me and millions of Americans. Looking forward to seeing you recover from you....you are a fighter and have this!"
Retton is known as one of the United States' most popular athletes, having won gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, coming first in the all-around competition, as well as earning two silver medals and two bronze medals.
She also made history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics at the event.
Her routine on the uneven bars even resulted in a move being coined the 'Retton Flip', consisting of a front flip from a low to high bar, resulting in her 'sitting' on top of the high bar.
Our thoughts are with Retton and her family and send well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
Featured image credit: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
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