LOGIN

Renowned Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Battles Pneumonia, Receives Substantial Donations

by Lucas Garcia
5 comments
fokus keyword: Mary Lou Retton Intensive Care

Former Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton, remains in intensive care, grappling with an uncommon type of pneumonia as of this Wednesday.

A message conveyed by Retton’s daughters on Instagram expressed their mother’s continued resilience. They extended their gratitude to the numerous individuals who have financially contributed towards Retton’s healthcare expenses.

Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, the eldest amongst Retton’s four children, shared a video on Instagram expressing the family’s deep appreciation for the overwhelming support they’ve received. “The realization of the immense love for her from so many was unexpected,” Schrepfer stated. “These trying times have been tough on our family. Witnessing this outpour of love and support has been profoundly meaningful for all of us, including her. We are profoundly grateful.”

In the span of a mere 24 hours post the initiation of an online fundraising campaign on Tuesday, approximately 5,000 individuals have generously donated, accumulating over $275,000. The family highlighted that Retton lacks medical insurance. Their initial fundraising target was set at $50,000, aimed primarily at covering her medical expenses.

While Schrepfer chose not to delve into the intricate details regarding Retton’s medical condition, she emphasized that the situation remains fluid, evolving on a daily basis.

At the young age of 16, the prodigious talent from Fairmont, West Virginia, etched her name in the annals of Olympic history. At the Los Angeles Olympics, she delivered immaculate performances on the floor exercise and vault during the concluding rotations. This remarkable feat made her the inaugural American female to clinch the Olympic all-around championship.

Her stellar performance at the Olympics saw her secure a total of five medals – inclusive of two silvers, two bronzes, and the prestigious all-around gold. This achievement catapulted her to stardom, earning her the endearing moniker “America’s Sweetheart”. Subsequently, she was bestowed with the honor of being the first female athlete to grace the cover of a Wheaties cereal box.

Post her retirement from professional gymnastics in 1986, Retton’s prominence grew, making her a familiar figure across American households. Her post-athletic career featured various appearances on both the silver screen and television, notably including a participation in the show “Dancing with the Stars.”

In a personal update, she and Shannon Kelley, her then-husband, parted ways in 2018.

Reference: AP Olympics: 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Mary Lou Retton Intensive Care

What medical condition is Mary Lou Retton currently facing?

Mary Lou Retton is currently battling an uncommon type of pneumonia and remains in intensive care.

Who provided updates on Mary Lou Retton’s health and the fundraising efforts?

Shayla Kelley Schrepfer, the eldest amongst Mary Lou Retton’s four children, shared updates on Instagram regarding her mother’s health and the overwhelming support from the public in the form of donations.

How much was raised in the online fundraising campaign within 24 hours?

Approximately $275,000 was raised from about 5,000 donors within the first 24 hours of initiating the online fundraising campaign.

What was the primary objective of the fundraising campaign?

The primary objective of the fundraising campaign was to cover Mary Lou Retton’s medical expenses, as she does not have medical insurance. The initial fundraising target was set at $50,000.

What significant achievement did Mary Lou Retton accomplish at the age of 16?

At the age of 16, Mary Lou Retton made history at the Los Angeles Olympics by becoming the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title. She secured a total of five medals at these Olympics.

How did Mary Lou Retton gain popularity post her Olympic success?

Post her Olympic success, Mary Lou Retton earned the title “America’s Sweetheart” and became the first female athlete to be featured on the cover of a Wheaties cereal box. Following her retirement in 1986, she made several appearances in films and on television, including a stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”

More about fokus keyword: Mary Lou Retton Intensive Care

You may also like

5 comments

Kara Mathews October 12, 2023 - 10:17 am

OMG, this is so sad… I used to have her poster in my room. her family must be going through so much.

Reply
Ronnie Jacobs October 12, 2023 - 10:40 am

Why the heck doesn’t she have medical insurance? Especially with all that she’s done and acheived.

Reply
Stacey L. October 12, 2023 - 12:34 pm

i remember watching her at the Olympics. Such talent. Praying for a speedy recovery.

Reply
Mike O'Neal October 13, 2023 - 12:35 am

Can’t believe what’s happened to Mary! she was such a icon during my teen years. hope she gets well soon.

Reply
Tom Harland October 13, 2023 - 1:47 am

Remember when she was on Dancing with the Stars? She still had that athletic grace. get well soon Mary.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News